Ml', 






HISTORY AND REMINISCENCES 
OF DENTON COUNTY 




Ed. F. Bates 



ilSTORY AND REMINISCENCES 
OF DENTON COUNTY 



BY 

ED. F. BATES 

Secretary Old Settlers' and Veterans' Association 
OF Denton County 



McNITZKY PRINTING COMPANY 
Denton, Texas 






Copynf/ht, 191^, by 

McNiTZKY Printing Co. 

DENTON, TEXAS 



ICLA512462 

y1!\R -3 1919 



PREFACE 

In writing the history of Denton County and her pioneers, 
the task was found hard because of the fragmentary nature of 
her written history, and on account of having to harmonize 
the discrepancies in her traditional history as related by the re- 
maining pioneers. 

All of the early public records of the county were destroyed 
Christmas week, 1875, when the courthouse burned. 

Much of the county's traditionary history has been consigned 
with her pioneers to the grave. The gathering and collecting of 
facts and the elimination of fiction have had our most careful at- 
tention. But where so many conflicts in statements existed, some 
errors reasonably may be expected. And when writing of Den- 
ton County we must begin with it in its unorganized form as the 
western frontier of Fannin County; and "share and share alike" 
with all the counties carved out of this common territory, we 
must begin with its first settlement. The North American In- 
dian claimed it as his hunting grounds; the Republic of Texas 
claimed it as her public domain, and through her agents, the 
Peters Colony, was making title, and a conflict at birth was on. 

In order to separate the old settlers from the new, an "ar- 
bitrary period" had to be chosen, and for many reasons 1866 was 
selected as a partition denoting the cessation of the old life and 
the beginning of the new. It was called Reconstruction. We 
have found it hard to pursue our subject and properly observe 
the order of current events, hence we have arranged a part of it 
topically and a part as reminiscence. The temptation to make 
this a biography of a great people was overcome by the magni- 
tude of the task, and a roll-call of all the old settlers was substi- 
tuted in lieu thereof. Let the glories be shared by all in common. 

A few pictures of old-timers from the various settlements 



ol" the county have been secured to I'epiebent the type of our 
ancestors. Some of these pictures wei"e reproduced from da- 
guerreotypes, or "tintypes," as they are frequently termed. This 
accounts for the indistinct details of a few of the pictures. Some 
of the portraits represent more recent photography. One will 
observe that the early-day people dressed differently from the 
people of the present day. 

Some of the cities and towns of Denton County are inade- 
quately represented. This is due to the author's inability to en- 
list the intei'est and coopeiation of individuals who were in posi- 
tion to furnish requii'ed data, for which repeated I'equests were 
made. 

It has been impossible to verify the orthography of numerous 
proper names. Some names were furnished by individuals who 
had borne them in memory for many years, and the verification 
of such names is especially difficult. 

To Mr. W. C. Edwards, editor of the Denton Record- 
Chronicle, gi'ateful acknowledgments are due for assistance in 
securing data for this work, for the use of a number of valuable 
cuts, and for other courtesies. For data of value acknowledg- 
ment is made to Mr. C. A. Williams and to many others. For 
service, in the form of research and assistance in reading proof, 
apprec'at-on is due to Mr. James D. Baldwin. Mr. William H. 
McNitzky and his corps of assistants who have given careful at- 
tention to the mechanical details of this work, have, in this 
manner, contributed much to the book. 

To the members of the Subscription Committee of the Old 
Settlers' and Veterans' Association of Denton County profound 
gratitude is due. A labor of love has been their solicitation of 
subscriptions. Prompted by the desire to make possible the is- 
suance of this history, a number of loyal and energetic individuals 
have been unusually active, and correspondingly successful, in 
securing subscriptions. To the unselfish activity of these in- 
dividuals is due a great measure of credit for these printed pages. 
Although not a member of the Subscription Committee, Mr. A. L. 

X 



Lane, Sr., of Wichita Falls, Texas, has labored generously in be- 
half of this history, and has secured scores of subscriptions. 

The chapter of Reminiscences contains narratives as record- 
ed by various pioneers. The reader will observe that events and 
conditions are treated differently by various contributors, and 
that discrepancies are due to the fact that no two men observe 
exactly alike. 

The compilation of this history has been a great and un- 
remunerated task. The writer has felt that this labor should 
have been done by others a long time ago. But the fact that 
it had not been done, also the further fact that the writer was 
chosen for it by the Old Settlers' and Veterans' Association is 
justification, if justification be necessary, for undertaking what 
many regard as an impoi-tant work. 

In your criticism be generous. The captiously critical may 
ask himself, What have I contributed to make the work better, 
more accurate, more comprehensive ? If his reply be "Nothing," 
he should say nothing. To those who are prone to destructive 
criticism, we commend the story of Booker T. Washington and 
the young minister who criticised a church that Washington had 
built. "You have the advantage of me," explained Washington; 
"you have never built a church." 

Ed. F. Bates. 



XI 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Preface ix 

I. Denton Territory as Represented in the Early 

Republic and State Governments 1 

II. Natural Resources and Inducements to the Im- 
migrant and the Privations of the Immigrant . 8 

III. The First Settlers, Location and Naming of County 13 

IV. The Pioneer Settlers and Settlements, and the 

Roll Call 1 . 27 

V. Early Taxpayers, Prairie Fires, and Wild Horses . 90 
VI. Secession and War — Our Contribution of 

Men — Its Effects on the Morals of Our People 95 

VII. Reconstruction and Crime Wave 120 

VIII. Denton County Officers 133 

IX. The Indian 153 

X. Commerce and Transportation 167 

XL Old Settlers' and Veterans' Association ..... 174 

XII. Public Free Schools 186 

XIII. Cities and Towns 263 

XIV. Denton County and the War with Germany . . . 279 
XV. Reminiscences 286 

Index 409 



HISTORY AND REMINISCENCES 
OF DENTON COUNTY 



HISTORY AND REMINISCENCES 
OF DENTON COUNTY 

CHAPTER I 

Denton Territory as Represented in the Early Republic 
AND State Governments 

Denton County in 1836 was a part of Red River County 
under the Mexican government and was represented in the Se- 
cession Convention, which met at Washington on the first day 
of March 1836, by Richard ElHs, ColHn McKinney, Albert H. 
Lattimore and Robert H, Hamilton. Richard Ellis was made 
president of the Convention and signed the Declaration of In- 
dependence wh'ch provided for the first Congress of the Republic 
of Texas which met at Washington October 3, 1836. Denton 
territory was represented in the Senate by Richard Ellis and the 
Lower House by Doctor Mansell W. Mathews, George W. Wright 
and Collin McKinney. 

We have not been able to find the date of the creation of 
Red Rivei' County by the Mexican Congress and do not know 
whether this territory was included in its bounds or added to it 
for judicial and representative purposes. In the Second Congress 
Red River County was represented by Collin McKinney, Peyton 
S. Wright, and Doctor Daniel Rowlett in the Lower House, and 
Richard Ellis in the Senate. 

In the Third Congress Red River County was represented by 
George W. Wright, Isaac N. Jones, and Mr. Fowler. But Eannin 
County had been organized and was represented in the Third 
Congress of Texas by the Hon. Holland Coffey, the founder of 
Coffey's Trading Point on Red River. Fannin County was or- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



ganized by act of Congress December 4, 1837, with the following 
metes and bounds: "Beginning at the mouth of Bois d' Arc 
Creek, thence up said creek to the crossing thereof at the resi- 
dence of Carter Clifts, thence south to a point 30 miles in a 
strai:j,ht line from the place of beginning, thence westerly and 
northwesterly to Red River, so as to cover all the territory in 
these bounds, and east of the cross timbers to Red River." 
Evidently the "cross timbers" referred to are in Wise and Mon- 
tague counties, as the early land patents here are written for 
Fannin County, and Big Elm is called Big Spring Creek. 

We remained a part of Fannin County until 1846. The 
County of Fannin was put in the Fifth Judicial District May 24, 
1838 and was put in the Seventh District Februaiy 5, 1840. 
The District and Probate Court was held one session in the 
eastern part of the county and one in the western, as provided 
for by the Eighth Congress on February 3, 1844. The dividing 
line began at the mouth of Choctaw Bayou on Red River 
and ran due south to the south line of said county. Courts 
were to be held in the eastern part at Bonham and in the western 
part at Seamon Bradley's residence, which was near where the 
southeast corner of Grayson County was established. 

The Congress had authorized the President to organize 
ranger companies for the protection of the frontier against the 
depredations of the Indians. In 1839, '40, and '41 he had three 
companies of about sixty men each for the protection of Fannin 
County under the captaincy of Mark R. Roberts, Daniel 
R. Jackson, and Joseph So well. They were paid for their ser- 
vices by the Sixth Congress of Texas. There were several fea- 
tures distinguishing rangers from soldiers. First, they were 
given general orders from the President as to territory and duty 
when they entered service and to report to headquarters when- 
ever possible, which was not often, on account of distance to 
headquarters and the danger to scouts. The captain, under the 
governor's instruction, was the unit of authority. Second, they 
were to furnish and equip themselves and provide for their own 
maintenance. They had no commissary department to look to for 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



supplies, but lived mostly like the wild Indian on game, which 
was in abundance. They ranged up and down the State from 
Red River on the north to a point south covering about one- 
third of the State's frontier and extending through Denton terri- 
tory from north to south. There were two noted trails across 
Big Spring Creek (or Big Elm) from east to west; one where the 
McKinney road crosses and one at what was afterwards called the 
Fish Trap Crossing. At both places there is a rock bottom. 
The trails were sometimes referred to as the "Indian Trail" and 
the "Ranger Trail." 

These rangers doubtless had a varied experience in Denton 
territory in 1839, '40 and '41, and had they reduced it to writing 
we would not have been so impoverished as to our early history. 
These rangers were followed later on by others who established 
their patrol line farther westward. Capt. Thomas N. B. Greer 
had a company of rangers who did patrol duty on the line. And 
after the State was admitted into the Union in 1846, Col. M. T. 
Johnson had five companies of U. S. soldiers that were enlisted 
here in Texas and scattered along the line from Red River to a 
point northwest of Waco on the Brazos River. Col. Bill Fitzhugh 
of Collin County had a company and the patrol line had stations 
reaching from Red River to the Brazos. The first station was 
called Elm Station and was situated between Red River and 
Gainesville. The second station was called Hickory and was 
situated at the high knob just south of Hickory Creek at the Fort 
Worth Crossing about three miles southwest of the present city 
of Denton. Pilot Knob was much better as a lookout, but had 
no water. The third station bore the name of Johnson Station, 
as Colonel Johnson made his headquarters there, and was situ- 
ated in the east edge of Tarrant County about one mile south of 
the present town of Arlington. 

Col. Fitzhugh's company was stationed half at Elm Station 
and half at Hickory, the other companies south along the line. 
The soldiers stayed at the stations at night when not chasing 
a band of Indians. It was their duty to send a detail north and 
south along the line each morning to search for Indians or fresh 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Indian signs, and they became experts in this line. They would 
pass down the line until they met the detail from the next sta- 
tion and exchanged information. They then returned to their 
stations, and thus Col. Johnson had information from the ex- 
treme ends of his patrol line every two days. Col. Fitzhugh's 
company was paid off and disbanded at Johnson's Station in 1849. 

It was at Hickory Station that the first murder was com- 
mitted in this county that we have any knowledge of. A Mr. 
Teel, a ranger, shot and killed Mr. Ramsey there in 1848, and the 
next murder was at old Alton in 1855, when Mr. Charles McElroy 
shot and killed a Mr. George. We will now return to the early 
'40's and take up other details of current events. 

The Eighth Congress of Texas on February 5, 1844 passed 
an act to open and establish a national highway to be called the 
Central National Road of the Republic of Texas, to begin at or 
within fifteen miles below the mouth of Big Elm on the bank of 
the Trinity River and run north to Red River opposite the mouth 
of Kiomisha River (which comes into Red River on the north 
side). The president appointed James Wilson, William M. Wil- 
liams of Lamar County, John Terry of Fannin County, Rowland 
W. Box of Harrison County, and James Shaw of Nacogdoches 
County as a commission to lay out and establish said highway, 
which they did, beginning on the bank of the Trinity River near 
the present courthouse in the city of Dallas and running north 
up what has since been known as the Collin County Ridge to 
Preston's Bend on Red River, a distance of nearly seventy miles. 
The commissioners received land certificates for their services, 
and the lands for about three miles on each side of the highway 
were declared exempt from location for a certain time, and no 
lines were to be located across said highway. This road was called 
by the people, the Preston Road. There were no streams larger 
than small branches to be crossed in the entire distance. Pass- 
ing through the center of Fannin County and on top of the ridge 
overlooking the great fei-tile vallt3y commonly called in early 
days the Elm Flats, it ran for thij-ty miles parallel to and one 
and a half miles from where the east line of Denton County 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



was afterwards established. There were fords and ferries at 
Preston's Bend on Red River, on the Trinity River, and on the 
Brazos River at Waco. This great pubhc highway was designed 
to be, and was, the open door of Texas to the immigrants coming 
from the North. 

The young Republic of Texas was in dire need of men 
and means, and strenuous efforts were being made to colonize 
the country. Colonization contracts were made on easy terms. 
The Fifth Congress on January 4, 1841, passed an act granting 
to married settlers 640 acres of land, to single settlers 320 acres, 
under certain conditions of settlement. Section four of said act 
authorized the President to make a contract with W. S. Peters 
and eighteen others (collectively) to colonize land covering much 
of North Texas, the whole of what was afterwards set off as 
Denton County. The contract was afterward amended and many 
legislative acts were passed explaining and validating land titles 
under it. It was a prolific field of contention for years after- 
ward. W. S. Peters and his company were to receive as their 
compensation ten sections of land for each one hundred families, 
and ten half-sections for each one hundred single men colonized 
in their territory and who complied with the colonization laws. 
They were to be responsible to the State for the patent office fees 
which were about fifteen dollars to each patent, with the privi- 
lege of collecting them from the settlers. 

The Sixth Congress on February 5, 1842 authorized the 
President to make colonization contracts with other parties on 
the same terms and conditions, and quite a number were made, 
out of which much dissatisfaction and confusion arose among 
the settlers, and on January 16, 1843, Congress passed a joint 
resolution authorizing the President to modify said contracts 
and extend the time of the same. They became such a source 
of fraud and contention that the Eighth Congress repealed the 
law authorizing the President to make them and ordered him 
to have forfeited all contracts whose terms had not been rigidly 
observed. 

This Peters colonization contract had so much to do with 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Denton County's land titles and her colonists that it became 
necessary to go more into its details. The settlers were not get- 
ting their land patents, and the Third Legislature on March 21, 
1850 passed an act to secure to the actual settlers of the colony 
the lands they were entitled to and authorized the governor to 
appoint a commission to adjudicate the rights of the settlers to 
lands surveyed, where the field notes could not be found. The 
commissioners met the people at Dallas, McKinney, Sherman, Al- 
ton (then county seat of Denton County), and Waxahachie. 
This adjudication with the settlers was to be without prejudice 
to the company in their settlement with the State. 

The Peters Colony had an office in the southeast part of 
Denton County at which the colony's business was transacted. 
They had Mr. Oliver Hedgecoke employed as their agent and 
Judge S. A. Venters as their land clerk. They had surveyors and 
were engaged in sectionizing the lands of the colony, and 
they probably had the most of Denton County sectionized and 
ready to turn in to the land office. But the settlers from near 
Cedar Hill in Dallas County came up in a body and destroyed the 
office and all the papers they could find, after which they went 
to Mr. Hedgecoke's home in Collin County, but he had fled across 
Red River and could not be found. Most of the papers had been 
secreted by Judge S. A. Venters and were afterwards delivered 
to Mr. Hedgecoke by appointment. The real trouble at this 
specific time arose about the location of the lands. The con- 
tract provided for the lands to be sectionized and each alternate 
section to be reserved from settlement. That did not suit the 
settlers, as they wanted to select the lands and run the lines to 
suit themselves and by persistence had their way about it. Hence 
the land lines in many parts of Denton County run at various 
angles, much to the detriment of good roads. 

The Fourth Legislature passed an act relating to lands in 
Peters Colony, reciting "that there had been four contracts by 
the President and the colony, No. 1, August 30, 1841, No. 2, 
November 20, 1841, No. 3, July 26, 1842, No. 4, January 20, 
1843, making altogether one modified contract," 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 



This act gave the metes and bounds of the colony as follows : 
"Beginning at a point on Red River, in said four contracts sx>e- 
cifically defined, and running thence along the extreme eastern 
boundary of said grant south 100 miles, thence west 164 miles, 
thence north to Red River, thence down said river to the place of 
beginning." This act was to compromise the diiferences between 
the colony and the settlers and the State of Texas and to have 
the suits dismissed which had been brought at Austin to forfeit 
their contracts. 

This act provided for the recognition of the certificates is- 
sued by Thomas William Ward, commissioner for the colony, and 
proof and oath of the colonists in the absence of a certificate ; for 
the recognition of the surveys made by the colony's officials, or 
the surveys made by the district or county surveyors, and the 
right of the colonist to select his own lands. 

This compromise permitted the colony to locate their land 
outside of the colony and in a body, and they were allowed 1,700 
sections of land in a body, or about two counties. This land was 
located where Young and Throckmorton counties were after- 
wards made. This act was passed February 10, 1852, and the 
settler was allowed until July 4, 1852 to file on the land. A 
supplementary act was passed by the Legislature in 1853 ex- 
tending the time for settlers to file on their land, requiring the 
colony to file their records with the commissioner of the general 
land office, the records to be a part of the records and archives of 
said office. 

Before these contracts were closed, the amount of land to 
the immigrant was reduced to 320 acres of land for married men 
and 160 acres to single men. They were required to make im- 
provement and live upon the land three years and make proof 
of same before patent could be issued. 



CHAPTER II 

Natural Resources and Inducements to the Immigrant and 
The Privations of the Immigrant 

This rich territory, up to the time of settlement, was known 
only by migratory bands of wild Indians, by the Texas Rangers, 
and by an occasional band of prospectors passing through its 
borders. 

The rangers had it assigned to them by the young republic 
over which to draw their line of frontier protection against the 
Indian on the west. They had established some trail ways across 
the streams and through its timbers, but on the prairies they 
needed none as they traveled by guides, such as Pilot Knob, Pilot 
Point and other places easily seen. There were no wagon ways 
in this county except the Preston road, but the county was set- 
tling from Red River west and south. Bowie, Lamar, and Fannin 
Counties were considered then on the frontier, and the Indians 
would make raids in these counties and steal horses and kill the 
settlers. Their habit was to slip into the settlements at night 
in the light of the moon and round up all the horses possible by 
daylight and then make a run to get them out, and they were 
generally successful. 

In the spring of 1841 the Indians of the Keechi village, which 
was in the forks of Village Creek and West Fork about six miles 
east of the present city of Fort Worth, made a raid on the 
settlements in Bowie and Lamar counties and drove off a herd of 
their horses. Preparations were hastily made to follow them. 
Col. E. J. Tarrant made up a company to follow them, in which 
was Capt. John B. Denton, Capt. Henry Stout, Col. Coffey, Col. 
William C. Young, Capt. Yeary, Samuel Sims, Daniel Montague, 
James Bourland, William Bourland, Mack Bourland, Andrew 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Davis, John L. Lovejoy, Clabe Chisum, John Griffin, Col. Porter, 
Dick Hopkins, and about forty others. They took the trail which 
led west up by Bonham, crossing East Fork near the present 
town of Weston in Collin County; Little Elm, about one-fourth 
of a mile above the present bridge on the McKinney road; 
and Big Spring Creek (or Big Elm) at the McKinney road 
bridge. They then turned nearly south to Bird's Station, 
afterwards known as Birdsville, Tarrant County, where they 
scattered and the trail gave out. It could not be followed. This 
showed the Indian's cunning habits, and the care he had for his 
family. The Indians were then approaching their village about 
eight or ten miles away, and succeeded in throwing their pursu- 
ers off about ten miles west of them, up on Clear Fork west of 
Fort Worth. A lone Indian was captured and was forced to tell 
the location of the village. There the battle was fought the 
next day, in which John B. Denton lost his life. They destroyed 
the village, killed many Indians, and gathered up about eighty 
head of their horses and returned. (The details to be given 
later.) This company of men had crossed through the center 
of the county afterwards known as Denton County. 

These men were from near Fulton's Ferry on Red River, and 
Coffey's Trading Point where the immigrants were crossing into 
the young republic and could give glowing descriptions of the 
black land belt and its grand prairies. Col. Coffey was the found- 
er of Coffey's Trading Point on Red River and the representative 
of Fannin County, and afterwards moved up the trail himself 
into Collin County. The Peters colony later on established their 
land office for the colony in the southeast corner of this county 
and had their agents at all the ferries on Red River directing the 
immigrants how to reach their land office and trading point. 

The first view the immigrant would have of this county 
would be from the great Collin County ridge extending from 
north to south for nearly forty miles and forming the border 
for the eastern county line of Denton County. Up this high ridge 
ran the great national highway (the Preston Road) and from 



10 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



many points the entire eastern half of Denton County was in 
full view 

The Elm Valley, then called the Elm Flats, from six to eight 
miles wide and forty miles in length, paralleled the highway. 
In this valley great herds of buffalo could be seen grazing upon 
grass, often knee-high and glittering in the sunlight as it was 
lashed into waves like the rolling waves of the sea. Deer in 
bunches were visible as far as the eye could reach ; turkeys and 
prairie chickens everywhere. The turkeys at night would almost 
cover the timber on the creeks and the wild chickens could be 
seen flying in droves a mile long and had to be minded off of sown 
wheat until it could be plowed in. Small creeks had large holes 
of water which were filled with fish. (The holes are all filled 
with mud now.) Bee trees could be found filled with wild honey. 
Wild grapevines covered the trees and brush in the brakes all 
up and down the ridge with various kinds, from the mustang 
grape down to the little fox grape which ripened about frost and 
was very sweet. Persimmon orchards were filled with the finest 
fruits, from which we had "persimmon bread" and "persimmon 
beer," Plum thickets abounded with the finest red Chickasaw 
and the yellow Chickasaw plum, and often would cover three 
and four acres at a place. Just north of Cottonwood branch, 
one-half mile north of the present town of Frisco, there were 
over one hundred acres covered almost solidly with a wild plum 
orchard. This was a great attraction to the immigrant, as the 
fruit served as food for man, fowl, and animal. There were in 
good supply pecans, hickory nuts, walnuts, and several varieties 
of acorns, and the red and black haws. Above all, there was 
here the finest soil in the Republic of Texas, including many 
varieties, a fact now demonstrated, but then only partially 
known by wild growths. 

This was the attraction the Great Jehovah spread out before 
the immigrant like a feast of fat things to induce him to come 
and to welcome his coming. The Indian called it his "happy 
hunting ground" and stubbornly refused to give it up. The im- 
migrant regarded it as the promised land, flowing with milk and 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 11 

honey — ^promised to him by the Republic of Texas through the 
agency of the Peters Colony in blocks of 640 acres to the family, 
free. This constituted the inducement to settle. 

It was found that every sweet had its corresponding bitter ; 
that want of many other things which could not be supplied here 
tried the hearts and courage of the immigrant and many of them 
stayed a while and returned East to more civilized settlements. 
Here, then, he was outside the pale of civilization, beyond the 
power of the government to adequately protect him and his 
family, liable at any time to be killed and scalped by the wild 
Indian. 

But here, the most hardy and fearless immigrant settled 
on his 640 acres and his 320 acres, and with his trusty muzzle- 
loading rifle, undertook to stem the tide and protect and supply 
his family. Many hardships awaited him, too numerous for the 
present citizen to conceive of; but these hardships entered into 
and constituted the real life of the pioneer of Denton County, 
some of which it is expedient to mention. Here, only, could be 
found Indian trails, ranger trails, and buffalo trails. Winding to 
and fro across these streams — travel and commerce were prac- 
tically unknown — the pack horse carried the supplies of the 
scouts. There were no houses, no churches, no schools, no doc- 
tors nor medicines, and no neighbors, but constantly the menac- 
ing thought that the family might at any time be found scalped. 
There was a feeling of loneliness unbroken except at night by 
the unearthly howl of the wolves, (sometimes so close as to 
make the hair rise on the head unbidden) or the flickering light 
of some campers' fire on the far-away hill. These settlers, as a 
general rule, were poor people from the States, seeking a country 
where they could acquire a home, and coming hundreds of miles 
in ox-wagons and two-horse wagons with but one wagon to the 
family, and it usually loaded with the coffee pot, skillet and lid, 
bread and meat, the gun, the axe, the bedding, and wearing ap- 
parel and the family trailed along behind on foot, destitute, as a 
rule, of tools with which to improve the country. The first 
plows were great clumsy wooden structures with a wooden mould 



12 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



board ; no iion about them except the share, land-bar, and grass 
rod. Afterwards the blacksmith came and made what was called 
the "Gary" plow, which had an iron mould board. The wheat 
was "tramped out" by horses, and ground on a steel hand-mill 
bolted to a tree. It took the steady turning of a strong man 
nearly an hour to grind a meal for an ordinary family. 

These settlers raised sheep, built spinning wheels 
and looms, and made their clothes out of wool. When 
buttons were unobtainable persimmon seeds served as 
substitutes. They made their own combs out of cow 
horns and buffalo horns. They made their chairs and 
bedsteads and corded and bottomed them out of rawhide (a term 
applied to green or untanned hides off animals.) They platted 
ropes and made many other things of these hides, even door 
shutters were frames covered with rawhide. The first houses 
built were log huts chinked and daubed with mud, with dirt 
floors, stick chimneys, clapboard roof weighted on with poles. 
These hardships are recorded in justice to their memory and 
that the present generation may know the full price of our 
present civilization and some of the conditions that surrounded 
our ancestors. The picture is not overdrawn, though it may be 
startling when compared with Denton County's conditions of 
today. 



CHAPTER III 

The First Settlers, Location and Naming of County 

Everything west of Lamar County in the days of the Re- 
public of Texas was in Fannin County and was represented in 
Congress by Col. Coffey. 

Peters Colony, which was composed of men mostly from 
Kentucky, had agents in Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Ar- 
kansas. Their contract in 1841 had been entered upon in good 
faith and they were doing considerable advertising. The tide of 
immigration was turned towards the young Republic of Texas, 
the country was being settled from the east to the west and in 
those days four or five families settling close to each other would 
constitute a settlement and would soon have a name by which 
they would be known to the people of other settlements. There 
were no local sub-divisions or names to any particular part of this 
territory. The word settlement was then used extensively as 
an affix to the name, but in later years other names not so per- 
sonal have been chosen and the old settlements and their early 
designations have almost lost their identity. The first settle- 
ment was in the southeast corner of the county, and was made in 

1843 or '44, and was called the Bridges Settlement. In 1844 it 
had extended west of Elm, and when Mr. Holford had settled in 
the prairie, it was called the Holford Prairie Settlement. In 

1844 settlement was made at Pilot Point, a high point of timber 
jutting out into the prairie, being visible for a long distance and 
a guide to the traveller. These were the first three settlements 
made; others were formed in rapid succession. Two years more 
and the Republic of Texas was merged into a State of the Union. 
Two hundred voters could organize a county, and two years later 
Denton County was organized (1846.) This rapid settling here 



14 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

was caused by Peters Colony establishing their land office in the 
Bridges Settlement on Office Branch in 1844 and in connection 
therewith a settlers' store of very limited supplies. The immi- 
grant had to make application at the Land Office for his land and 
he did not have to go far to find land that suited him. In 1845 
Texas was voted into the Union and a constitution adopted. 

In 1846 the First Legislature of the State of Texas created 
and had organized thirty-one new counties. Among them was 
Denton County, the act creating which is shown below: 

AN ACT TO CREATE THE COUNTY OF DENTON 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the State of Texas that all the territory 
included in the County of Fannin beginning at the southwest comer of 
Collin County, thence west thirty miles, thence north thirty miles, thence 
east thirty miles, thence south thirty miles to the place of beginning be, 
and the same is hereby created, a new county to be known and called by 
the name of Denton, 

Section 2. Be it further enacted that the inhabitants residing within 
said limits shall be entitled to all the rights, privileges, and immunities en- 
joyed by inhabitants of the several counties of this State, except as to the 
rights of separate representation and land districts, for which purpose the 
inhabitants of Denton County shall be considered attached to Fannin Coun- 
ty until entitled by numbers to separate representation. 

Section 3. Be it further enacted that John W. King, Joseph W. 
Conner, Joseph Turner, John Ramsey, and Jesse Gibson be, and they are 
hereby appointed commissioners, whose duty it shall be to find the center 
of said county and select two places within three miles of said center, having 
due respect to donations that may be offered by individuals, of land or other 
property for a townsite, for the use of the county. The commissioners 
shall then proceed to hold an election, and the place receiving the majority 
of the legal votes shall be the county seat of said county, and the place so 
selected shall be known and called Pinkneyville. After which the com- 
missioners shall proceed to lay off a town and sell the lots therein at public 
auction on a credit of twelve months. All the proceeds arising from the 
sale of lots, or other donations, shall be applied by the commissioners herein 
created, to the erection of public buildings for the use of the county. 

Section 4. Be it further enacted that this act take effect and be in 
force from and after its passage. 

Approved April 11, 1846. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 15 

The commission laid off the county and ordered an election 
in the latter part of 1846 for a county site and its officers. The 
result was Pinkneyville as the county seat, which was located 
about one and one-fourth miles east and a little south of the 
present city of Denton. The following officers were elected: 
Joseph Turner, chief justice; Michiel Ransom, district clerk; 
John W. King, county clerk ; Wm. Gavin, sheriff ; James Holf ord, 
Mr. Ramsey, J. Wagoner, J. Weldon, county commissioners. 

The Ninth Judicial District consisted of Grayson, Col- 
lin, Denton, Dallas, Kaufman, Henderson, Anderson, Houston, 
and Van Zandt counties, and John T. Mills was appointed district 
judge. There were no improvements at Pinkneyville, so Judge 
Mills held court under the shade of a large post oak tree. For 
some cause, Wm. Gavin, the sheriff, failed to serve and Perry 
Harmonson was appointed sheriff by the Judge. 

The public debt of Fannin County was apportioned by the 
First Legislature among Grayson, Collin, Hunt, and Denton 
counties as follows: 

"Section 1'. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas 
that all legal and just debts, claims, or demands, now due to, or held by- 
citizens that reside in the new counties of Grayson, Collin, Hunt, or Denton, 
against the County of Fannin, shall be audited by the County Court of 
Fannin County, but the same shall be paid by the new counties in which 
the holders thereof reside." 

Pinkneyville as a woodland county seat was unsatisfactory, 
and as the settlers then were mostly in the southeast part of the 
county, the tendency was to carry it that way. 

The county seat was changed in 1848 by the Second Legis- 
lature as follows : 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas 
that the county seat of Denton County shall be on Section 1, Township No. 4, 
north, in Eange No. 3, west, in Peters Colony. 

Section 2. Be it further enacted that Joseph Turner, Jesse Gibson, 
John Ramsey, James Dickson, and John W. King be and- they are hereby 
appointed commissioners, a majority of whom shall form a quorum for the 
transaction of business, whose duty it shall be to receive by donation or 
purchase so much of said Section No. 1, in Township No. 4, as will be suf- 



16 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

ficient for a county seat, not less than forty acres for the use of said County 
of Denton, and the place so selected shall be known and called "Alton." 

Section 3. Be it further enacted that said commissioners shall pro- 
ceed to lay off a town on said tract of land, into lots of convenient size and 
sell the same at public auction, on a credit of twelve months, payable to the 
County of Denton, and the funds arising from the sale of lots or other 
donations shall be applied by the commissioners herein created, to the 
erection of buildings for the use of said county. 

Section 4. Be it further enacted that the district and county courts 
for Denton County shall be held at the town of Alton, and all writs hereto- 
fore issued returnable to Pikneyville shall be returned to and tried at Alton, 
and that all laws conflicting with this act, be, and the same are hereby 
repealed, and this act takes effect from and after June 1, 1848. 

Approved February 4. 1848. 

This location of the county seat was near the Thedford place 
near the present station of Coi'inth, about four miles southeast 
of Denton and having been located on Section 1, Township 4, of 
Peters Colony, in Range No. 3, it is the best evidence that the 
Peters Colony had sectionized Denton County preparatory to 
settlement. 

Pinkneyville was on the waters of Pecan Creek, but the new 
location (and change of name to Alton) was on the high ridge 
between Pecan Creek and Hickory Creek. A well was dug and 
no water found. Therefore it was unsatisfactory. The county 
seat was again moved by the Third Legislature. 

AN ACT TO PERMANENTLY LOCATE THE COUNTY SEAT OF JUS- 
TICE OF DENTON COUNTY: 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas 
that the seat of justice of Denton County be permanently located at the 
residence of Alexander E. Cannon on Hickory Creek in said county, and that 
all courts which by law are to be held at the county seat, shall be held 
there, and that the clerks and other officers, who by law are to keep their 
offices at the county seat, shall remove them to said seat of justice, and said 
seat of justice shall be called "Alton," and that this act take effect from and 
after February 1, next. 

Approved November 26, 1850. 

This new location was on Hickory Creek about five miles 
south of Denton whei'e they had plenty of creek water. There 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 17 

were no provisions made by this act for commissioners to sell lots 
and receive donations to build public buildings, but the people 
interested in this new county seat met and built a hewed log 
courthouse, twenty feet by twenty, thirteen rounds high, covered 
it with two-foot boards held on by weighted poles; puncheon 
floors, board door, the judge's stand in the west end, stick-and- 
mud chimney in the east end, and split-log benches. The judge's 
stand was four feet square and boarded up with burr oak boards. 
This building was rough, but the best they could do at that time 
(1851). Justice was in its crude form, without technicalities; 
but more swift and certain than now. At the two preceding 
county seats no public buildings had been erected, but here the 
county officers came and took up their abode, and civil govern- 
ment was established. The acts of the Legislature in the or- 
ganization of the county had called for thirty miles square, but 
when surveyed it was changed as follows : 

AN ACT BETTER DEFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF 
DENTON COUNTY: 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas 
that from and after the passage of this act the boundaries of Denton Coun- 
ty shall be as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of Collin Coun- 
tv as now established, thence north with the west boundary line of said 
".ounty of Collin to the comer of Grayson County, thence north with the 
boundary line of that county to the northeast comer of said Denton County 
as established by the county of Grayson, a distance in all of twenty-nine 
miles, and twenty-seven chains (four pole chains,) thence west following 
the line of Grayson County and passing its southwest corner, in all, thirty- 
one miles, thence south to a point due west of the northwest corner of 
Dallas County as now established by law, thence east to the said corner 
of Dallas County, thence with the north boundary line of said county of 
Dallas, eastward to the place of beginning. 

Section 2. That this take effect and be in force from and after its 
passage. Approved January 24, 1852. 

Thus the county, as legally established is from north to 
south twenty-nine miles and twenty-seven chains wide, and from 
east to west thirty-one miles long. 

On April 11, 1846 when the Legislature created the county 
they called it Denton for John B. Denton who had been killed by 



18 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



the Indians on May 22, 1841 at the battle of Keechi Valley in 
Tarrant County and buried on the waters of Denton Creek (which 
is in Denton County). John B. Denton was a great revivalist of 
the Methodist Church, and had been preaching since 1826. He 
was also a captain of a ranger company, and a lawyer. By per- 
mission, I now copy from "The Life and Times of Captain John 
B. Denton," by Rev. William Allen. 

The Story of the Fight and Captain Denton's Death 
(Special to The Dallas Ne^vs.) 

Waxahachie, Texas, October 6, 1900. 

Rev. Andrew Davis was a member of the company com- 
manded by General Tarrant at the fight with the Indians in 
which Captain John B. Denton was killed, and an eye-witness of 
his death and burial. He was at the time but thirteen years of 
age, and in all probability the only survivor of the heroic band 
of pioneers. Since the discussion anent the death and burial of 
Captain Denton, Mr. Davis has received a great many letters 
urging him to write a full history of the fight and the circum- 
stances connected with the killing and burial of Captain Denton 
for publication, and in compliance with those letters he today 
handed the Neivs correspondent the following article : 

"In the spring of 1841 the campaign was made in which 
John B. Denton was killed. The company was made up by Gen- 
eral Tarrant, a lawyer, who at that time lived in Bowie County. 
He finally moved to Ellis County, where he died. There were 
many of the most prominent men in North Texas in this company, 
some of whom were Colonel Coffey, James Bourland, William 
Bourland, Mack Bourland, Colonel Porter, Henry Stout, Dick 
Hopkins, John B. Denton, Clabe Chisum, J. L. Lovejoy, Colonel 
Bill Young, Captain Yeary. These are sufficient. Many of their 
names have faded out of my memory. It would not be proper 
for me to attempt a history of the whole campaign, but to fix 
attention directly upon the occasion of the killing of J. B. Den- 
ton and the circumstances connected with it. 

"Denton was killed (as I might say) on our return home. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 19 

On the day before the taking of the village, a lone Indian was 
discovered. General Tarrant divided the company, and ordered 
them to cut him off from the timber and capture him. This 
was nicely and quickly done. The capture of the Indian occurred 
on the high prairie some ten miles west of the village, at a point 
not far from where Fort Worth is located. Tarrant left the 
prairie and went into a secluded place on the river. There we 
remained all night. About sunset every preparation was made 
to kill our prisoner. He was placed upon an elevated spot a few 
paces from the company. He was then placed with his back 
to an elm tree, his hands were drawn around the tree and made 
secure, and his feet was then tied together and secured to the 
tree. Then twelve men with their guns were ordered to take 
their positions before the Indian. The scene was an awful one 
in its solemnity, to me and to all. The men were ordered to 
present arms. At this moment, the alarmed and terror-stricken 
Indian became greatly excited, and in great agony of spirit he 
cried aloud, 'Oh, man! Oh, man!' While he did not utter the 
above words with distinctness, yet it was more like these words 
than any other. General Tarrant sent Captain Yeary with an in- 
terpreter to the prisoner to see if he would reveal anything, for 
prior to this he had been sullen, and would not say a word. He 
was made to understand that if he would tell where the village 
was, and how to find it, he should not be hurt, and he made a full 
revelation of the whole matter, and closed by saying, 'We be 
friends.' He was untied, but kept under guard all night. After 
dark Tarrant sent ten men under Henry Stout, who was ordered 
to the village and reconnoitered the same, and selected the point 
of attack, to report by four o'clock in the morning. This was 
done, and by daylight all were in motion under the guidance of 
our trusty pilot, for the village, which was reached about nine 
p'clock in the morning. 



20 history of denton county 

General Tarrant Led the Attack and the Indians 
Were Routed 

"From our position we could see the Indians passing about 
in every direction. We were ordered to deposit our baggage and 
free ourselves of every incumbrance, and be ready for the charge 
in five minutes. When the time was up, General Tarrant said, 
'Are you ready?' the response was in the affirmative. Then 
Tarrant, in a low, yet a clear, distinct voice, said, 'Now, my brave 
men, we will never all meet on earth again, there is great con- 
fusion and death ahead. I shall expect every man to fill his 
place and do his duty.' The command to charge was given. A 
level prairie, about three hundred yards wide, lay between the 
command and the first huts. The distance was measured off in 
less time than I am in telling it. In a moment the sound of fire- 
arms, with a voice of thunder, rang out over the alarmed and 
terror-stricken inhabitants of that rude city of the wilderness. 
Tarrant and James Bourland, with Denton, led the charge, while 
every other man followed with the best speed his horse could 
make. I was riding a mule furnished me by Aunt Gordon, (God 
bless her memory ! ) She was my friend in orphanage and help- 
lessness — well, pardon the digression. That mule was a mule, 
and just like its kind, was slow, and made me among the last to 
reach the enemy. As I passed the fii'st huts I saw to my right a 
number of Indians, I fired into the crowd with the best aim my 
excited nerves would allow. In a moment our men came upon 
them from a different direction, and for a short time the work of 
death was fearful. It was here that my mule was shot from 
under me. I felt like I had lost my best friend. The air was 
full of bullets and I took to a tree. In a moment, however, I 
saw a number of our men on foot, some of them from choice, and 
othc-rs, like myself, because they could not help it. I left my tree 
and joined them. In less than an hour the village was cleared 
of Indians, and it seemed like the work of death was done. 

"Covered with dust and dirt, and wet with sweat, and almost 
famished, both for food and water, Tarrant called the company 
together, at a little spring. On roll call it was found that not a 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 21 

man had been killed ; a dozen, perhaps, had been unhorsed. Quite 
a number were hatless, as many as eight or ten were slightly 
wounded, but none in a painful manner. Many had made narrow 
escapes from death as their rent clothes abundantly testified. 
Tarrant commended the men for their good behavior, and said, 
'Thank God, we are all here. You have had water, repair to the 
nearest huts and get your hands full of dried buffalo meat, and 
in fifteen minutes be ready for further advance.' My, my, how 
the buffalo meat was used up by those hungry men ! 

"At the expiration of fifteen minutes, Tarrant called the men 
together and ordered John B. Denton and Henry Stout each to 
take a squad of twenty men and pursue the retreating Indians, as 
a great number of them had fled north into the Trinity bottom by 
two paths leading out of the village. It so happened that I fell 
into the squad of men commanded by Captain Henry Stout, who 
took the trail that led from the northeastern portion of the 
village. John B. Denton, with his men, took the trail which led 
from the northwestern part of the village. Within about sixty 
yards of the river the trails came together. When Captain 
Stout came to this point he halted and addressed his men, 'Here 
the trail from the west unites with ours; a great many Indians 
have gone out on both trails. From the large cottonwoods in 
view, we are near the river. I think it is imprudent for a little 
squad of men to enter into such a trap, for if the Indians make a 
stand at all it will be at the river.' Just at this point someone 
said, 'I hear the sound of horses' feet.' Captain Stout replied, 
'That is Denton. We will wait until he comes and we will con- 
sult.' 

"When Captain Denton came up he said, 'Captain, why 
have you stopped ?' Stout repeated to Captain Denton what he 
had just said to his men, but added 'I am willing to go as far as 
any other man.' Instantly and without a word, Captain Denton 
spurred his horse on in the path, Captain Stout followed, and 
their men dropped into line, and the little company, in death-like 
silence, moved on towards the river. We found no prepared 
ford, but merely a Well-worn buffalo trail, which led down into 



22 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



the river, and went out some eighty yards below. The north 
bank of the river was high and covered with a closely set under- 
growth of brush. Here the Indians had secreted themselves. 

"When the company reached the point opposite and under the 
Indians they opened a deadly fire upon us, it being mainly 
directed on our men in front. Captain Denton was instantly 
killed, and Captain Stout had his arm broken. In this condition 
of affairs no word of command was given. The scene of death 
and the moment of suspense was awful to endure. Captain 
Yeary called at the top of his voice, 'Why in the h — 1 don't you 
move your men out to where we can see the enemy ? We will all 
be killed here.' 

"The men began at once a kind of irregular retreat, 
and Captain Stout had so far recovered from his shock as to be 
able to say, 'Men do the best you can for yourselves, I am wound- 
ed and powerless.' About this time some one said, 'Captain 
Denton is killed.' The shot was so deadly that there was no 
death struggle. He had balanced himself in his saddle, raised 
his gun and closed one eye, intending to deal death to the enemy, 
when the death shock struck him. When his death was dis- 
covered his muscles were gradually relaxing, and his gun yet in 
his hand was inclining towards the ground. The men nearest 
him took him from his horse and laid him on the ground, and then 
we returned to the command at the village. We feared that 
after we left that the Indians would scalp Captain Denton and 
otherwise mutilate his body, but this was not done. A squad 
of men was sent back to the river to get Denton's body, which 
they did. 

"I am glad to this day that I was one of the number to 
volunteer to go back and if need be, to brave death to recover 
the body of Captain Denton. About 4 or 4 :30 p. m. the body of 
Captain Denton was securely tied upon a gentle horse, and the 
command moved out from the village with some eighty head of 
horses and fifteen or twenty head of cattle taken from the village. 
We moved up the river to a point not fai' from Fort Worth and 
there spent the night. Early next morning we crossed the river 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 28 



at a point where the timber was narrow. After crossing the 
river we traveled in the direction of Bird's Station, aiming for 
Bonham as our objective point. At about 11 :00 a. m. we halted 
on a prairie on the south side of a creek with a high bank on the 
north. On one of these elevations Captain Denton was buried. 
I have never for a moment doubted but that I could find the 
identical spot. The tools with which this grave was dug were 
brought from the village and they were ample for the pui-pose. 
If, therefore, any person has found a shallow grave and is of the 
impression that it is the grave of Captain Denton, he is mistaken. 
His grave was dug a good depth, a thin rock was cut so as to fit- 
in the bottom of the grave, similar rocks were placed at the sides 
and also at the head and foot. Another rock was placed over the 
body and the grave filled up. Thus was buried one of God's 
noble men." 

After reading the history, as given by Rev. Andrew Davis, 
as above, you are sufficiently acquainted with the facts to know 
why we have Denton County, Denton Creek, Denton City, and the 
John B. Denton High School. The Old Settlers' Association of 
Denton County, at their August session in 1900, undertook the 
task of having the history of John B. Denton written, and his 
bones buried in the court house yard, they then being buried in 
the back yard of Mr. J. H. Waide on Clear Creek. The Rev. 
William Allen was appointed the historian. He secured the 
evidence and published the book, "The Life and Times of Captain 
John B. Denton," from which we have so freely quoted. The 
committee, after gathering much proof as to the finding of the 
body by John Chisum and its disinterment, and its reinterment 
in 1860, in the back yard of the J. H. Waide place, concluded their 
report as follows : 

"Much could be added to this testimony supporting the 
truth that the grave of Captain Denton was found, and his re- 
mains were taken up and preserved. Surely, enough has been 
stated to remove all doubt, should any exist. The pioneers are 
all convinced, agreed and satisfied. They constituted the jury 
that sat in the case, and unanimously have rendered their ver- 



24 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



diet that the remains buried on the Chisum Ranch are all that is 
left to us, in a material way, of the noted pioneer, Captain John 

B. Denton. 

"It only remains now that the remains be exhumed, brought 
to Denton and be prepared for burial in the court house yard. 
Unto this end the Pioneer Association appointed the following 
named members to do this work : John W. Gober, R. H. Hopkins, 

C. C. Dougherty, and R. H. Bates. The committee did its work 
well. All that follows now relating to the funeral and burial 
services is taken from the published account in the Record and 
Chronicle of Denton. 

Report of The Record and Chronicle 

"The movement begun more than a year ago by the Old 
Settlers' Association of Denton County to locate the remains of 
Captain John B. Denton, pioneer and border hero, for whom this 
county and city are named, and, if found, to give them a public 
burial, culminated last Thursday afternoon when his bones were 
given their last interment, and with befitting ceremonies. Cap- 
tain Denton surrendered his life in a public cause — the defense 
of the border from the ravages of the Indians, and it was singu- 
larly appropriate that his new grave is in the public soil, the 
southeast corner of the court house yard. Another appropriate 
feature of the final ceremonies was the presence of the faculty 
and students of the John B. Denton College, an institution named 
in his memory, and an enduring monument to his bravery, cour- 
age, and high-mindedness. 

"The lower floor and galleries of the district court room were 
crowded when Rev Wm. Allen, the chairman, arose at 1 :30 and 
announced in a few words, the purpose for which they had 
gathered. Rev. Allen, himself a pioneer, and an early minister 
of the gospel, when the days of Texas were young, occupied the 
chair, and on his left sat Rev. J. W. Chalk, another old-time 
minister, who vividly recalled the memories of another day. In 
state in front of the judges' bench, lay in a handsome coffin, the 
remaining bones of the man in who$e honor the services were 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 25 

being held. In front of the bier sat three living descendants, 
two sons, Rev. J. F. Denton of Weatherford, and Rev. John B. 
Denton, Jr., of Clay County, and a grandson, Prof. William Baker 
of Ellis County. After a few prefatory remarks by Rev. Allen, 
'America' was sung, led by President Thurmond of the John B. 
Denton College. A prayer by Doctor W. C. Lattimore of the First 
Baptist Church followed, and a quartet gave a rendition of *It is 
Well With My Soul.' 

"The Rev. Wm. Allen delivered an address on the life and 
character of John B. Denton, which was followed by an address 
by Rev. J. W. Chalk. Rev. Allen then introduced in turn the two 
sons and the grandson of Captain Denton, each of whom made 
short, but feeling, talks of thanks and gratitude for the honor 
bestowed through their ancestor on them. The quartet rendered 
'Some Sweet Day' and 'Rock of Ages,' during the singing of which 
the pall bearers, Messrs. E. B. Orr, L. Willis, J. M. Swisher, John 
W. Gober, J. H. Hawkins, and W. C. Wright, lifted the coffin and 
bore it to the grave in the court house yard, followed first by the 
relatives present and then the spectators. And the body of 
John B. Denton, preacher, lawyer, Indian-fighter, pioneer, and 
hero, was in its last resting place, the third since his death in 
1841. The first was on the banks of Oliver Creek; the second, 
when his friend, John Chisum, exhumed the remains from there 
and gave them burial at the Chisum Ranch near Bolivar (now 
known as the Waide place) ; and the third burial, in the court 
house yard at Denton." 

Who knows the best? Only One, that is God; 
He knows best when to give, and when to take, 

He knows it all. 
He places all beneath His chastening rod, 
He watches men, and marks the time and place. 

Where e'er they fall. 

Who knows the best? Can others speak and say? 
Knows anyone a new or better way 

That satisfies ? 
Then why speculate or make search to find 



26 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Other thought or proof among all mankind 
Than from the skies? 

Denton fought, bled, and died while he was young. 
Garlands of fame around him still have clung, 

And still will cling. 
He is an anthem on the lips and heart, 
A song engraved, and which will never pai*t 

From souls that sing. 

— William Allen. 



CHAPTER IV 

The Pioneer Settlers and Settlements, 
AND the Roll Call 

The task of discovering and recording the history of the 
county has been easy when compared with the task of compiling 
the names of its settlers, who came from so many different sec- 
tions of the country. Yet the people were then, and are today, 
of greater importance than the country, A roll has been pre- 
pared of the pioneer settlers remembered today. It is not com- 
plete but it is the best we could do. A date (1866) was selected 
to separate the old settlers from the new. That date was selected 
because many changes came at that time of "reconstruction." 

The calling of the roll of old pioneers by settlements, to some 
may be tedious and thought to be useless, but to them, largely, 
belongs the honor and glory of the present splendid civilization 
of which we so proudly boast. "We reap what others have sown," 
and "Sow that others may reap." We dedicate a few pages to the 
memory of the pioneer, and in the language of Pope exclaim: 

Teach me to feel another's woe, 
To hide the fault I see; 
That mercy I to others show 
That mercy show to me. 

They were not perfect, and perhaps that -may be said of us 
in after years. 

The immigrants came from the older states in "trains," 
of from three to ten families in a bunch, and settled near each 
other for many reasons. The oldest settlement was the Bridges 
Settlement near the present town of Hebron, and it began its 
formation in 1843. When the counties were formed in 1846 this 
settlement was partly in Denton County, partly in Collin County, 
and partly in Dallas County. It was here that the Peters Colony 



28 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



established its land office and settlers' store in 1843 and from 
this, as a center of the colony, all of its employes worked. All 
the records were kept here by Judge S. A. Venters. It was to the 
land office, at that time, that the immigrant had to go in search of 
and to file his claims for land. This was the office that was de- 
stroyed by the people in 1850 and the records as kept here were 
afterwards required to be turned over to the general land office 
as a part of the archives of the State. The records had been 
seci'eted by Judge Venters and were not burned. 

Here we find that the church was represented. The Method- 
ist by Rev. W. E. Bates, who came from Kentucky and settled 
here in November 1851 and held a revival meeting Christmas 
week, at John W. King's 
house, in the present town of 
Lewis ville; the Baptist was 
represented by the Rev. Jesse 
C. Portman, who came from 
Bonham and settled in 1854, 
and held many meetings for 
the pioneers. Many of them 
are dead and gone, but let us 
call the roll of Bridges Settle- 
ment : Messrs. Barksdale, 
Tom West, William Bridges, 
Alford Harington, Silas Har- 
ington, Ben Baccus, Jake Bac- 
cus, Pete Baccus, Dow Baccus, 
Oliver Hedgecoke, S. A. Ven- 
ters, Rev. William E. Bates, 
W. P. Bates, Rev. E. T. Bates, 
C. C. Bates, Ed F. Bates, Rev. 
Jesse C. Portman, C. C. Port- 
man, Mat Portman, Jim Port- 
man, Abe Stover, Joe Stover, 
John M. Vardeman, George 
Vardeman, L. Vardeman, 




COL. S. A. VENTERS 
One of the founders of Denton, promi- 
nent in early - day history. County 
Judge and Legislator in the early days 
and venerated by those who knew 
him. He was born June 27, 1822, and 
died here March 12, 1881. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 29 

William Bonham, and John West. There are others but they fell 
into Collin and Dallas counties. 

The Holford Prairie Settlement had its beginning in 1844. 
In this year John W. King and wife, Jane King, and their chil- 
dren, came from near Bonham and settled on the east end of the 
prairie, where the present town of Lewisville is, and in the fall 
of 1844 a large family connection moved from Piatt County, 
Missouri and settled on the prairie towards the west end. Among 
the number were John Holford and James Holford, for whom 
the Prairie was named, James Gibson, Jesse Gibson, William 
Gibson, Owen Medlin, Hall Medlin, and others. They brought 
with them their families, their dogs, guns, and religion — Baptist. 
They settled close to each other for self -protection, and as some 
of their history was written by Uncle Gus King (son of John W. 
King) it is given in full : 

"The First Methodist class in Denton County was formed 
in July, 1846 by James E. Ferguson, then presiding elder of the 
Red Oak Mission. John W. King was class leader. The class 
was as follows: Peter Harmonson, Ann Harmonson, Eva Har- 
monson, Louise Harmonson, Martha Harmonson, Jane King, 
Rachel R. King, Nancy G. King, Ann E. Davis, Nancy Waggoner, 
P. K. Waggoner, Sarah Waggoner, Nancy French, Amandy Sut- 
ton, Vinson R. Sutton, Ann Garvin, Thomas Garvin, a total of 
nineteen. That class was organized in a log school house about 
seventy-five yards north of where Hugh McKenzie now lives 
(1884). The class met regularly, had monthly meeting from 
1846 to 1852, and had some glorious revivals. In 1852 the mem- 
bership was twenty-eight or thirty. The preachers in charge 
were as follows: Rev. James E. Ferguson in 1846-47, Rev. 
George Tittle in 1848, Rev. Randalls, a native Texas preacher, 
in 1849. That summer the first camp meeting in Denton County 
was held near the southwest corner of T. M. Smith's bottom field 
on Prairie Creek. The preachers in attendance were Randalls, 
Long, and old Father Minter. The latter is still (1884) living 
on Grapevine Prairie, near Minters Chapel in Tarrant County. 
At that time he lived on Mountain Creek in Dallas County. In 



80 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

the year 1850 Rev. T. D. Wright was preacher in charge. The 
first quarterly conference was held in June, 1850, presided over 
by Revs. M. Yell, P. E. Present, T. D. Wright, P. G. Smith, and 
Brother Minter, local preachers, and John W. King, secretary. 
No stewards; no money to collect. That meeting was held in a 
log house that now (1884) stands in Lewis ville, then the resi- 
dence of John W. King. The names of the tenters at the above- 
named camp meeting were : John Waggoner, John W. King, Eli 
Pickett, Stephen Riggs, and Thomas Waggoner. In 1852, Rev. 
W. L. Nelms was preacher in charge; in 1853, Rev. John W. 
Chalk was preacher in charge; no preachers in 1854-55. In 
1856, Rev. W. E. Bates was preacher in charge; Rev. J. M. Bink- 
ly was preacher in charge in 1857-58; Rev. — . — . Patillo was 
preacher in charge in 1859, and Rev. — . — . Shaw in 1860. I 
write from memory and may not be correct. More anon. 

"— A. G. King." 
Pioneer Happiness 

"They [the Piatt County, Missouri, settlers] were a peculiar 
people in some respects. They had but little property among 
them, and yet they were well enough to do. All seemed 
to be on an equality, and the sole object in living was 
to do all they could for the comfort and satisfaction of one 
anothei', and to make their way to a better world than this. 
They were a good people, and could have ruled this county for 
many years had there been business men among them. They 
never held any of the county offices, except John Holford who 
was commissioner once. 

"In the winter of 1844, a lone man by the name of Hammons, 
a Baptist preacher, came to this county. In the spring of 1845 
he organized the aforesaid family connection into a class and 
preached to them every Sunday. They would all go to meeting, 
men, women and children, carrying their guns and such other 
weapons as they had with which to protect themselves from 
Indians. In April, 1845 Hammons felled a tree on himself, and 
on Sunday, the day he was to have preached, he was taken from 
under the trunk of the tree and buried on Hickory Ridge. 



history of denton county 31 

The First Marriage in Denton County 

"Christmas, 1844, the Rev. Hammons officiated in the first 
marriage in this county. The marriage took place near where 
Doctor Gilbert now lives (1884) on his farm. The parties were 
Shelton Luttrell and Bettie Dierce. He married them without 
license and four years after I saw the same couple married over. 
At that time they had two children in their arms. When 
married the second time, it developed facts satisfactory that old 
man Hammons was all right. In 1846 the Rev. John A. Free- 
man came to this county. He was a missionary Baptist preacher 
and a very liberal man, he was pastor six years. In 1852 and 
1853 nearly all of this family connection moved and settled near 
Alton. P. J. Holford lived on Denton Creek and some of the 
Medlins lived near Elizabethtown. — A. G. King." 

Mr. King was a very reputable man, hence his letters have 
been quoted nearly in full. 

Rev. J. A. Freeman, Baptist, was a great pioneer preacher. 
He reorganized this Baptist church at Lonesome Dove on Denton 
Creek in 1854 and continued its pastor until 1857. He then emi- 
grated to California and organized a Baptist church, and is now 
(1914) living. He is ninety-three years old. 

The first church house of note was called the Holford 
Prairie Hall. It was about midway of the prairie from east 
to west and on the north side at a grove that extended out 
into the prairie. The building was a two-story structure. The 
Masons occupied the upper story. The lower was used for school 
and church purposes. All denominations worshipped in it. Just 
south of the Hall Uncle Andy Crews and family settled on Timber 
Creek and established a blacksmith's shop. He was a splendid 
smith and filled a great need at that time. 

To the south, on Long Prairie the Presbyterians established 
a church and camp ground ; they called it Flower Mound. Every- 
body was welcome and an annual camp meeting was held there 
for about thirty years. It was composed principally of E, L. Lusk, 
Rev. Newton Lusk, Sam Lusk, Matthew Cowen, Jim Cowen, Bob 
Donald, Matthew Donald, George Beavers, and others and their 



32 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



families. We have not been able to ascertain the membership 
and date of its organization but it was about 1854. At their 
camp meetings it was impossible to distinguish one denomination 
from another. They established in the southern part of Denton 
County a very high moral and religious standard. Many people 
for thirty and forty miles away came to their services and re- 
ceived inspiration to a divine and higher life. They made the 
very best of citizens. We will now call the roll of Holford 
Prairie Settlement in memory of our heroes : 

Holford Prairie Settlement 

John W. King, Guss King, Mrs. J. C. Wright, Aleck Coker, 
J. B. Ship, Tom Kealy, J. N. Kealy, S. A. Kealy, Crockett Kealy, 
Joe Minor, Dan Railings, E. P. Lusk, Sam Lusk, New Lusk, Rob- 
ert Allen, Hugh McKenzie, Andy Crews, Virgil Crews, Morgan 
Caudle, S. H. Crawford, J. H. Crawford, Jim Crawford, Sam 
Crawford, Bill Crawford, Andy Farmer, Houston Gray, William 
Gray, Burt Cobb, Tom Cobb, Rev. Terrel Jasper, A. Jasper, T. F. 
Jasper, Joe Knight, William Purnell, T. M. Smith (representa- 
tive),. G. L. Beevers, Russell Craft, John Craft, Sr., John Craft, 
Jr., Jesse Craft, Caz Hall, Simon Simmons, J. K. Fox, Phillip Zig- 
ler, Anderson Nowlin, Henry Nowlin, Jim Nowlin, John Nowlin, 
Arch Nowlin, Davis Gulledge, Edward Brown, W. B. Brown, L. A. 
Brown, E. P. Brown, Josiah Wilkins, Dock Wilkins, Charley 
Wilkins, Tom Craft, Sam McCombs, George McCombs, Wes Mc- 
Combs, John McCombs, Taylor Boyd, John Boyd, John Lauder- 
dale, Dr. Vanfleet, T. M. Claytor, Ed Claytor, Jim Cowen, W. H. 
Cowen, J. H. Griffith, Jim Baker, Cal Evit, John Ferguson, Dr. 
Clark, Wm. Hill, Steven Hyett, Sam Hyett, Joel Summers, Theo- 
dore Dorsett, Charley Rivers, David Street, W. H. Street, Homer 
Street, Wm. Kelly, W. G. Evans, Sr., W. G. Evans, Jr., J. M. 
Evans, Jonus McCurley, John Maloney, Jake Zigler, George Zig- 
ler, Jasper Baker, Anson Baugh, Wm, Rasberry, Nicholas Karns, 
J. N. Baker, Marion Fry, Rev. John Holford, Andy Holford, Mike 
Mossberger, George Mossberger (J. P. in 1860), Jim Herrod, 
Wm. Garvin, Ann Garvin, Thomas Garvin, Newt Herrod, Jap 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



33 




CAPTAIN SAM V. LUSK 
Captain Sana V. Lusk was bom in Monroe County, Tennessee, October 
9, 1838. He moved to Denton County, Texas, in 1854. Enlisted in Captain 
Main's Company, Fourteenth Texas Cavalry October 28, 1861 at Denton. 
He was elected Sergeant, later Second Lieutenant, and then Captain for the 
last two years. Returned home after the war, was converted, and joined 
the Presbyterian church, and has been a brave soldier of the Cross ever 
since. Has been the greatest singer Denton County ever had, singing the 
gospel and attending the conversion of scores of souls led to the Savior by 
his ministrations. 



34 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




ANDY CRUSE 



Born in North Carolina August, 1823. Came to Austin in 1845, to 
Henderson County in 1846. Married Miss Eliza Gray January, 1849. Moved 
to Denton County in 1860. Heard Governor Henderson's inaugural address, 
and saw the flag of the Republic lowered and the State flag raised in 1846. 
He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Flower Mound 
forty-six years. Died March 25, 1907. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



35 



Herrod, Perry Harmonson, Sr., Perry Harmonson, Jr., George 
Harmonson, Peter Harmonson, John Guy, Rev, Robert Guthrie, 
Mart Guthrie, Burns Gentry, Burrell Hunter, George Haigler, Jim 
Crosby, Edmon Sutton, Vincent Sutton, Joe Sutton, Frank Sutton, 
Jim Sutton, Jesse Sutton, Ehza Smith, Robert Donald, Jim Don- 
ald, B. F. Donald, Steve Donald, Robert Donald, Jr., E. L. Harrell, 
Tom Young Joe Young, Dr. Martin T, Green, W. H. Green, C. R. 
Green, P. K. Waggoner. 

veteran, having enlisted in McKit- 
trick's Company G. During the war 
Mr. Bro\\"a was captured (February 
11, 18G3) find sent to Camp Chase. 
He was wounded at Atlanta, Ga,, 
in July, 18G4, just a year before 
his parole by the United States. 




W. B. BROWN 

Familiarly known as "Uncle Bil- 
ly" Brown, and a well-known figure 
about town, has lived in Denton 
County since 1854. He was bom 
in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, 
February 5, 1834, and moved to 
Denton County in 1854, and in 
1868 he married Mrs. Elizabeth 
Phillips of this county. After the 
death of his first wife he married 
Mrs. Myra Brooks in August of 
1897. Mr. Brown is a Confederate 




JOHN G. BOYD 

Born September 26, 1847. Came 
to Denton County in 1855. He now 
lives in Denton and is Justice of 
the Peace of Precinct No. 1. 



36 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




THOMAS MILTON CLAYTON 

Born in Virginia in 1833. Moved to Missouri and then to Denton 
County in 1857. He was a Confederate soldier in Alexander's Regiment. 
A member of the Methodist church thirty years and a Royal Arch Mason 
fifty years. Died April, 1915. 



)t 



history of denton county 37 

Stewart's Creek Settlement 

This was a settlement on the east side of Big Elm in the, 
southeast part of the county, covering the mouth of Stewart's 
Creek and named after Isaac F. Stewart, the first settler. In 
the year 1844 the Ritters settled near the lake that is called 
Ritters Lake and made a ford on Elm that was called Ritters 
Ford. L. T. Higgins (Uncle Tiff) settljed here and was elected 
Justice of the Peace in 1848. Jim Chawning from this settle- 
ment was elected county commissioner in 1848 and served until 
1860. Judge S. A. Venters had moved into this settlement and 
in 1848 was elected county clerk. This was a small settlement 
but had some splendid citizens, which the roll call reveals : 

Isaac T. Stewart, L. T. Higgins, Lewis H. Higgins, Bill Rit- 
ter, Jake Ritter, John Ritter, James Chawning, Jack Chawning, r 
Sam Chawning, Tom Fouts, Jack Fouts, W. T. Fonts, W. R. Dud- 
ley, Butler Dudley, Joe Dudley, James F. Cheneworth, F. E. 
Cheneworth, Sam T. Higgins, Dr. Newton, Delia Newton, Charley 
Newton, J. B. McWhorter, Shelton McWhorter, Rev. J. E. Mc- 
Whorter, Elder H. Kerr, Jake Riley, Ben Strahan, Joe Stover, Abe 
Stover, J. L. Sparks (J. P.). 

Teel Settlement 

This settlement was started in 1850 by Peter Teel and his 
sons and sons-in-law, who were from Tennessee and were of the 
Methodist persuasion, affilliated at Bethel church. He was a 
brother-in-law to J. B. Rodgers and Clayton Rodgers. The set- 
tlement was made on the ridge between Stewarts Creek and 
Cottonwood Creek and between Little Elm and Frisco. The 
Teels and Morrells emigrated to California in 1868-69. In 
memory of them we call the roll : 

Peter Teel, Lige Teel, Melt Teel, Frank Teel, James Teel, 
Adam Teel, Bill Morrell, Mat Morrell, Johnathan Morrell, La- 
fayette Morrell, John F. Morrell, (the Morrells were Peter Teel's 
sons-in-law,) Bill Andrews, Bob Andrews, Sam Davis, Eli Davis, 
S. T. Pitts, Bill Donald, Frank Donald, Lafayette Donald, Widow 
Harris, Lige Harris, George Harris, J. O. Yeakley, M. V. Yeakley, 
Jim Yeakley. 



38 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




Left to right (seated) : Addison Robertson, born in 1837; A. Wayne 
Robertson, born in 1843. Mrs. Rachel Hawk (nee Robertson) , bom in 
1845. Came to Denton County in 1859. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



39 



Little Elm Settlement 

This settlement was formed in 1844 by Kit King and his 
mother and their families. They settled on the bank of Little 
Elm Creek and made a ford called the King- Crossing. Mr. 
Shahan and his sons, John, George and Dock, and J. 0. Dickson, 
C, C. Dickson, John L. Dick- 



son, and W. H. Dickson settled 
on the prairie between the two 
Elms in 1845, and the prairie 
was named Shahan's Prairie 
for them, and a ford was made 
higher up on the creek called 
Shahan's Ford. The first post- 
office in the county was es- 
tablished at Kit King's resi- 
dence on the bank of Little 
Elm Creek about one mile 
south of the present steel 
bridge, in 1845, in the days of 
the Republic, and was on an 
ovei'land route running from 
Preston's Bend on Red River 
south to Bird's Station after- 
wards called Birdsville, in the 
east edge of Tarrant County. 
This postoffice is older than 
the county and is still doing 
business at Little Elm. A man 
named Sparks built the first 
store house near the west ap- 
proach of the bridge in 1859 
and the postoffice was moved 



--? ,^ 



-<!>?*% 




MR. AND MRS. JOEL S. CLARK 

Joel S. Clark was born in Tennessee 
December 20, 1824. Moved to Den- 
ton County, Texas, in 1850. Married 
Mrs. Emily Jones (nee Teel) in 1851. 
He was a Justice of the Peace for six 
years, a Confederate soldier. He died 
October 24, 1905. Mrs. Clark died 
July 12, 1910. 



there. In 1866 Henry Hill built 
a store house about one mile east (the present town) and the post 
office was moved there. The first church house was built on 
Cottonwood Creek at the John House Springs about one mile 



40 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




SAM R. DAVIS 



Bom in Hickoi-y County, Missouri, July 4, 1844. Moved to Denton 
County, Texas, in 1858. He was a Confederate soldier in Gano's Squadron 
and in John Morgan's Division. Married Miss Ora McKinney October 1, 
1872. Was a successful stock raiser. Died December 22, 1905. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 41 

east, at which all denominations worshipped and the school was 
taught. It was hewed studding, weatherboarded with four-foot 
burr oak boards. It had a dirt floor and stick chimney. Several 
camp meetings w^ere held there. In 1853 Joel Clark and family- 
located near the present town and after the war he was fore- 
most in the organization of the Christian Church, and the house 
of worship was afterwards built on the corner of his land. He 
was a very good man and his life was a great benediction to his 
neighbors. He was a justice of the peace and dispensed justice 
and had the confidence of the people. His church stands today 
as a monument to his honor and a blessing to the neighborhood. 

In 1859 Lively Lodge No. 237 A. F. & A. M. was organized 
at the Sparks store house, and afterwards moved to Little Elm. 
In 1852 Rev. William E. Bates and family moved from Bridges 
Settlement to this one and lived where Billy Wilks now lives, 
and assisted in killing a large panther near his house. From this 
incident the creek probably derived its name. He organized a 
Methodist church for this settlement in 1853. I now call the 
roll which brings to memory many pleasant incidents and faces : 

W. H. Dickson (the second chief justice), C. C. Dickson, 
J. 0. Dickson, John L. Dickson, Mr. Shahan, John Shahan, George 
Shahan, Dock Shahan, Manna Shahan, Joshua Zumwalt, G. W. 
McNeil, Louis McNeil, J. M. McNeil, Frank McNeil, W. J. McNeil, 
Alford Smith, Jim Martin, John House, James Roberson, Wayne 
Roberson, Louis Roberson, Chancy Smith, Columbus Smith, Billie 
Smith, John Smith, Marion Smith, John Null, Dick Venerable. 
Rev. Ben Grace, W. T. C. Potter, Frank Grace, Mart Stover, 
Joel Clark, Richard Clark, Peter Clark, John Sprouce, Warren 
Caruthers, Chuffey Mills, Ziek Chester, Cal Chester, John Ches- 
ter, Jake Chester, G. W. Gilbert, Doctor Harper, Dick Harper, 
Charley Eastman, Jim Eastman, Lige Griggs, Clark Griggs, Ras 
Chappell, Bill Chappell, John King, Kit King, John Hubble, Wm. 
Baysinger, Henry Hubble, John Slade, Hai-ve Slade, Dick Davis, 
Allen Bell, Jim Bell, John Erwin, Jim Stewart, Enoch Johnson, 
Major Johnson, Mack Smith, Billy McNeil, Wm. Hide, Dan Muse, 
Joe Music, Dock Music, M. H. Hare, W. E. Hare, M. L. Hare. 



42 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




MRS. ORA E. (McKINNEY) DAVIS 

Bom in Alexandria, Louisiana, November 11, 1852. Moved to Miss- 
issippi in 1861. Moved to Denton County in 1868. MarriedHo S. R. Davis 
October 1, 1872. Settled near Little Elm. Reared four sons: Thomas E., 
Frank C, Mat M., Ginney Ora, and one daughter, Robbie (Davis) Matlock. 
She has been a member of the Baptist church and the Rebecca Lodge of 
I. 0. 0. F. for forty-four years. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 43 



Hawkins Settlement 

This settlement was founded in 1853 by Rev. Wm. E. Bates 
and in 1854 by W, H. Bates, Harry Hawkins, and the six sons 
and four sons-in-law of Harry Hawkins. It was near the east 
county line on the waters of Panther Creek. It was called the 
Kentucky Settlement by some, because these people immigrated 
from Kentucky. They were Methodist in their church affiliation. 
Many Kentuckians felt like they were kinsfolk of these people 
and settled by them. The Hawkins' predominating in numbers, 
it was called the Hawkins Settlement. Rev. William E. Bates 
organized them into a Methodist society and in 1857 they built a 
church house and called it Zion, after the old Zion church in Ken- 
tucky, from whence they came. Many great meetings were held 
here, and the people were very zealous and fervent in their wor- 
ship. The standard of morality was high, resulting in a high 
order of citizenship to the honor of this Kentucky colony whose 
roll call will never grow old to the writer : 

Harry Hawkins, J. D. Hawkins, S. J. Hawkins, J. H. Haw- 
kins, Edgar Hawkins, F. J. Hawkins, W. F. Hawkins, Thomas 
Button, J. L. Landrum, W. H. Bates, C. L. Smith, W. F. Haw- 
kins, Jr., T. B. Hawkins, J. H. Hawkins, Jr., Hardy Hawkins, C. C. 
Hawkins, Frank Hawkins, G. C. Shearer, Rev. J. B. Hawkins, 
Billy Hawkins, Bob Hawkins, Sam Hawkins, Ed. Hawkins, Dick 
Hawkins, Frank Hawkins, D. B. Hawkins, Henry Hawkins, David 
Landrum, A. B. Jamison, W. B. Smith, G. W. Smith, Edgar 
Smith, R. H. Bates, J. P. Bates, J. H. Bates, C. W. Bates, W. E. 
Bates, Jr., Jacky Ready, Bob Ready, F. M. Ready, W. A. Ready, 
George T. Edmonds, J. H. Goode, Taylor Hicks, Ben Hicks, Jim 
Hicks, John Hicks, Elbert Hicks, Solomon Shearer, Will Shearer, 
Walter Shearer, Rev. Worth Shearer, John Morris, Jim Morris, 
Smith James, and Ed James. 



44 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 





REV. WILLIAM E. BATES 
A pioneer preacher and head of a family that has always been promi- 
nent in affairs of Denton County. Was bom in Amherst County, Virginia^ 
in 1812, and moved to Barren County, Kentucky, in 1820. He was licensee 
by the Methodist church in 1843 to preach, and moved to Denton CountyJ 
Texas, in 1851. He continued in active service of his church until his super-] 
annuation in October, 1868, and died in 1883, being buried at Oak Grove 
ten miles east of Denton. Mr. Bates had much to do with the establishment 
of Methodism in North Texas. In 1855 he had charge of the church at 
Lewisville and later organized the churches at Denton, Montague, Gaines-j 
ville, Jacksboro and other frontier points. On his last circuit he rode froit 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



45 



Denton up Clear Creek to Chisum's ranch, thence to Decatur and Big Sandy; 
thence to Montague, thence to Jacksboro and Weatherf ord and back through 
Tarrant County via Birdsville, to Lewisville and then home in the eastern 
part of Denton County — a trip that would cause men of these times to 
dread even with fast automobiles. He had thirty-one appointments and it 
required twenty-seven days to make his monthly trip. Constant Indian 
depredations covered almost the entire circuit. He carried arms for self- 
protection and had several narrow escapes from bands of wild Indians. 







MRS. SUSAN (WRIGHT) BATES 
Bom in Barren County, Kentucky, January 1, 1816. Was married to 
Rev. W. E. Bates November 3, 1834. Moved to Denton County November 
1, 1851. Died November 16, 1897. 



46 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




MRS. MARY L. BATES (nee McReynolds) 

Bom July 24, 1855. Married to Ed. F. Bates December 30, 1874. 
Died March 28, 1914. Her granddaughter, Mary Sue Hill. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



i1 




REV, WILLIAM ALLEN 



Bom in Kentucky, March 18, 1834. Moved to Denton County, Texas, 
n 1856. Was licensed a Methodist preacher in 1860. He was a Confederate 
soldier, a State Senator. Married Miss Abbie Mayes June 7, 1866. Died 
^ugust 12, 1908. 



48 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




MRS. ABBIE (MAYES) ALLEN 

Born in Adair County, Kentucky, April 13, 1846. Came to Texas 
in 1852. Was married to William Allen June 7, 1866. Served as President 
of the Foreign Missionary Society of Texas from 1888 to 1898. Teacher 
in the Methodist Sunday School for thirty-five years. Now lives at Frisco- 



I 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 57 

Rucker, George Rucker, Jim Rucker, Will Rucker, Dan Swoap, 
C. J. Reding, Sr., C. J. Reding, Jr., S. T. Reding, Billy T. Reding, 
Sam Shadle, Prestley Holland, Milt Holland, Elisha Miller, Sr., 
Albert Miller, E. E. Miller, Tom Miller, Sam Taylor, Ben Taylor, 
Dick Taylor, Mose Taylor, William Lunn, Shovey Lunn, Dee Lunn, 
A.be Boyd, Mart Epps, Pete Fisher, Jim Fisher, Dan Ray, Tom 
Ray, Bill Roberson, Luther Roberson, Wash Roberson, Steve 
Anderson, Bob Waller, Jim Bennett, William Choat, Charley 

illion. 
I Key's School House Settlement 

This settlement covered a scope of country north of Sand 
?own and south of Ballew Settlement and between the two Elms, 
n 1846 Doctor G. T. Key and family came from Missouri and 
lettled near the present town of Weston, in Collin County, and in 
858 he moved over on the brakes of Big Elm about one and one- 
lalf miles southwest of the present town of Aubrey and built a 
bg school house. It was called Key's Schoolhouse. Around it 
he settlement clustered. He was assisted by Jim Wilcox, Joe 
vilcox and others. In 1861, when the war began, Professor Will 
)rake was teaching school here. It was the last school for about 
even years and when the town of Aubrey was established. Key's 
chool House was discontinued. There were some kind-hearted 
oiks hei'e and it gives me -pleasure to call the roll : 

Doctor G. T. Key, Henry Key, John Key, Clark Key, Jim 
i^ilcox, Joe Wilcox, Ben Moss, Joshua Harrison, George Harrison, 
phn Wilson, Pies Wilson, John Whitaker, Sr., John Whitaker, Jr., 
ves Whitaker, Ben Whitaker, George Parker, John Parker, Joe 

funt, Newt Reynolds, Will Nail, Sam Murphy, Eli Murphy, Joe 
urphy, Bob Wallace, Milt Wallace, Charley Wallace, George 
ail, Ellick Nail, Marion Case, Tom Case, Frank Case, Winslow 
ase, Clabe Burnett, Sam Burnett, Mrs. Polly King, Ellick Tutt, 
ill Jackson, Jack Steel, Mrs. Hart, and "Squire" Hart. 



Ballew's School House Settlement 

This settlement was between Big Elm on the west and Pecan 
reek and between Key's School House on the south and Pilot 



58 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Point on the north. They still have a schoolhouse and a nice 
cemetery there. Many of their best citizens sleep beneath its 
hallowed sod. 

In 1856 Aaron Ballew, his sons, and sons-in-law, and other 
friends, came from Missouri and Kentucky and settled here, 
forming the nucleus, around which it gathered. It was so near 
Pilot Point that their trading point, their church affiliations, 
and postoffice were at the Point. We now call the roll in their 
memory : 

Aaron Ballew, Levi Ballew, John Ballew, S. B. Tabor, Jim 
Arnett, Dan Mayberry, Henry Coppage. Neal Coppage, Elijah 
Coger, George Coger, Jim Coger, Joel Mann, Marion Mann, Chris 
Mann, Frank Davis, G. P. Davis, Andy Miller, Jacob Plunk, Dave 
Plunk, Ab Stepp, Alford Flippen, Tom Wilburn, John Wilburn, 
Dave Smith, Bud Smith, A. M. Doren, Joe Waits, Bart Waits, 
Joe Waits, Jr., Att. Montgomery, George Acres, John Henderson,; 
Nathaniel Henderson, Newt Henderson, Permon Henderson, John 
Henderson, Jr., John Cantrell, John L. Cantrell, Jr., Dave High- 
shaw, Jesse Owens, Bill Spencer. 

Pilot Point Settlement 

Pilot Point is in the northeast part of the county, three 
miles from the Cooke County line, and six miles from the Collin 
County line. At an early day there was a large grove of post oak 
trees extending out into the prairie on this high ridge which 
could be seen for many miles, and especially from the Collin 
County I'idge. There being no roads people traveled by course, 
guided by visible objects, in the distance, and this grove was 
used as a pilot to the traveler. From this fact it received the 
name. Pilot Point, attracting its first settlers. Its first settle- 
ment was made in 1846. At that time there was a spring just 
northwest of the grove which furnished water for camping pur- 
poses, it being a favorite camping place for Indians, rangers, and 
cowboys. The first settlers were the Edlemans and Elmore >. 
The first child born here was Eliza Edleman, in 1856. , 

We call the roll : Mallie Allen, George Mayfield, Bill Mayfield, 
A. C. Warren, Frank Warren, Dave Light, George Light, Dave 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



59 



Light, Jr., J. C. Clutts, Quinn Clutts, George Clutts, Daniel Bates, 
George Bates, J. L. Bates, Jim Bates, Squire Bates, Tom Bates, 
Columbus Taylor, Riley Taylor, Frank Taylor, Tom Taylor, 
George Drennon, Shack Cow- 
erly, John Morgan, W. C. Mor- 
gan, Dan Crites, Pete Crites, 
Anthony Hundley,John Hund- 
ley, George Thompson, Clabe 
Merchant, John Merchant, 
Jim Merchant, Dick Merchant, 
Sam Skinner, John Skinner, 
Dick Skinner, Tom Skinner, 
Esau Skinner, W. A. Kendall, 
Dan Kendall, Kelly Kendall, 
Bob Kendall, Dave Turner, 
Cobb Turner, Campbell Tur- 
ner, William Turner, Booker 
Edwards, Doctor R. W. Edle- 
man, D. J. Edleman, Jim Edle- 
man, Lee Edleman, Ira Edle- 
man, Elza Edleman, Gabe 
Blake, Jeff Elmore, Doctor 
A. M. Elmore, Oliver Elmore, 
J. P. Elmore, Cal Elmore, John 
Elmore, Nick Wilson, West 
Cravens, Noah Cravens, Doc- 
tor Gornah, John Martin, Ma- 
jor Walcott, Bent Horton, 
Jake Martin, Newt Martin, 
Wiley Dunham, Dick Ricketts, 
Jim Crutchfield, John Crutch- 
field, Joe Crutchfield, Billy 
Harrison, C. W. Holland, La- 
fayette Holland, Brice Hol- 
land, Marion Holland, John Bone, Jesse Bone, Billy Brown, George 
Brown, Jack Brown, Dick Peel, John Peel, Mart Peel, Arthur 




SAMUEL B. TABOR 

Born in Monroe County, Tennessee, 
January 31, 1831. Moved to Jackson 
County, Alabama when a small boy 
and from there to Madison County, 
Alabama. Moved from there to Den- 
ton County, Texas, in the fall of 1855. 
Married Miss Elizabeth Ballew May 
8, 1858. Served in the Confederate 
army about one year. Discharged 
February 3, 1863 on account of physi- 
cal disability. Moved to Arkansas in 
1867 and returned to Denton County 
in 1874. He now lives in Denton. 



60 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Peel, Ed Peel, William Peel, John Russell, John Hammer, Ed 
Hammer, Tom Smith, Soney Dirickson, Turk Dirickson, Perry 
Dirickson, Pete Dirickson, Bob Dirickson, Reece Jones, Jim Jones, 
John Shipley, Mart Shuffler, J. A. Dry. 

French Settlement 

This settlement was located in the forks of Big Elm and 
Hickory Creek, and was started in 1852 by the French's and 
McCurley's. They settled on what was known as the McCurley 
Prairie just west of the Wantland Lake. The French, the Ligon, 
and the Dickson crossings on Elm were on the borders of this 
settlement and these crossings were of considerable note in the 
early days as Big Elm was considered difficult to cross. This 
territory has lost its identity. It is known today as Garza, The 
roll call is: 

Nathaniel French, Oliver French, J. P. French, Mike French, 
Jonas McCurley, F. B. McCurley, Abe McCurley, George M. Mc- 
Curley, Frank McCurley, W. L. Holloway, Carrol Holloway, Bob 
Holloway, Tom Ligon, John Ligon, Jim Ligon, Wash Derrick, Bill 
Derrick, Uriah Derrick, M. L. Chandler, J. S. Weldon, John Ma- 
loney. Bob Dimond, Tom White, George W. Dougherty, Marion 
Dougherty, John W. Simmons, John F. Simmons. 

Alton Settlement 

On November 26, 1850 the Legislature changed the county 
seat to Alexander E. Cannon's residence on Hickory Creek, a 
little over five miles south of Denton, and transferred with 
it, the name, Alton. We conclude from the act that no one lived 
there but Mr. Cannon. The first store built here was in 1852 
by Henderson Murphy. In 1853, Jim Chisum and John L. Love- 
joy, Sr., put in stores and in 1854 J. M. Smoot & Co. put in a store 
and in 1855 Henderson Murphy put in a hotel. The mail route 
from Preston to Bird's Station was changed to go by Alton and 
the postoffice called Alton. They afterwards received the mail 
from Dallas via Birdsville. The mail was received once a week. 

It was here that Denton County had its first court house, 
which has already been described. The law handed down and jus- 



62 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

tice meted out were of the primitive variety. Many amusing court 
incidents have been handed down. One is recited to show the 
method of their coui't procedure in this temple of justice. A cer- 
tain defendant was charged with hog-steahng, being tried in the 
forenoon by a jury and convicted. His punishment was fixed at so 
many hxshes on the bare back. Court was adjourned for dinner. 
While the judge and attorneys were eating dinner, the sheriff, 
without their knowledge, took the defendant down on the creek 
a short distance away and gave him the whipping as ordered, as 
he thought, by the verdict of the jury. After dinner court was 
opened and the attorney for the defense (unawaie of what had 
happened) made application for a new trial and proceeded to ar- 
gue his case. The defendant was green and timid and became very 
nervous and was trying to motion his attorney to quit, but could 
not make him understand. Finally he blurted out to his at- 
torney: "Mr. Everett, don't get a new trial. They have al- 
ready whipped me and if you get a new ti'ial they may whip me 
again." This was often referred to as "speedy justice," ad- 
ministered by the sheriff to his prisoner instead of a noon-day 
meal. 

This settlement was not a natural settlement, but one made 
by the county seat and soon ceased to exist when the county seat 
was changed. The first man sentenced to the penitentiary from 
Denton County was tried in this old log court house and W. B. 
Brown, W. H. Bates, B. R. Hodges, and W. T. Clark were a part 
of the jury. 

In 1857 the county seat was changed to Denton and this log- 
court house, the temple of justice of Denton County, was cre- 
mated on a festive occasion. "Tom and Jerry" (a mixed drink) 
was made and served in the presence of the following witnesses : 
C. A. Williams, Felix McKitrick, Teague Coleman, Henderson 1 
Murphy, John L. Love joy, Sr., Sam Young, Charley McElroy, and i 
Doctor Huddleston. All the commercial enterprises were moved " ! 
with the county seat to Denton. The settlement remained, and 
we call the roll in their memoiy : 

Ellick Williams, J. M. Dougherty, C. C. Dougherty, T. W. , 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY . 63 

Dougherty, Mat Dougherty, W. A. Dougherty, Boon Dougher- 
ty, James M. Dougherty, John L. Lovejoy, Sr., John L. Love- 
joy, Jr., William Lovejoy, James Smoot, John Smoot, William 
Wright, Mat Wright, Henry Wright, Charley Wright, Jim 
Wright, Poke Wright, Jeff Rose, Henry Riggs, John Cranston, 
George Cranston, William H. Roark, J. M. Roark, Thomas Roark, 
M. B. Roark, W. I. N. Roark, L. L. Roark, Jasper Roark, John 
Rodgers, Brice M. Rodgers, Rube Rodgers, Doctor Jordan, Doctor 
Box, Doctor Huddleston, William Bradford, Fred Bradford, Tom 
Bradford, Bob Bradford, John Bradford, Tom Bridges, William 
Bridges, Fred Moore, Billy Moore, Brooks Beal, Tom Beal, Ben 
Louis, A. H. Serren, Bill Wilson, Martin Warren, A. T, Donaldson, 
Hanibal Donaldson, Buck Donaldson, Tom Donaldson, John Don- 
aldson, Jim Chisum, Felix McKitrick, Charley McElroy, Teague 
Coleman, John Lockhart, Sam Sprinkles, John Yeates, Bill Pink- 
ley, J. M. Pinkley, Strather Ball, Wright Ball,- and T. A. Ball. 

Denton Settl:ement 

This was the fourth and last county seat selected and was 
not referred to as a settlement but as the "county seat," which 
was the cause of its formation. 

Prior to this time Spencer Graham lived in the north side 
of town in a log house near the Lacy blacksmith shop, in which 
Joel Hall Graham was born in 1848, being the first child born in 
Denton. (He now lives at Monument, New Mexico.) Bill Lov- 
pg and Hiram Cisco and William Woodruff had located land here. 
I The Legislature had passed an act authorizing the people 
pf the county, by a majority vote to "change the county seat," 
where it was over five miles from the center of the county. The 
pounty commissioners had called an election for that purpose to 
be held on the first Tuesday in November, 1856. Two proposi- 
tions for a county seat were made to the people. E, Boon pio- 
bosed to deed to the county fifty acres of land on the brakes of 
Jickory Creek, near the present pest house; Hiram Cisco pro- 
)osed to deed forty acres, Bill Loving forty acres, and William 
A^oodruff twenty aci'es, a combined proposition of one hundred 



64 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




COL. OTIS G. WELCH 

Bom in Monmouth, Maine, Decem- 
ber 21, 1836. Graduated from Yale. 
Taught school and practiced law in 
niinois and Virginia. Came to Alton, 
Denton County, in 1852 and moved to 
Denton in 1857. He was the legal 
advisor in the establishment of the 
county seat. He married Mrs. Nannie 
E. Lowery (nee Chinn), January, 
1874. Died in Denton in 1880. 




DOCTOR J/,MES M. INGE 

Born in Grayson County, Ken^ 
tucky, February 18, 1852. Moved 
to Fannin County, Texas, in the fall 
of 1858 and to Denton County in 
1868. Graduated in surgery at 
the Louisville Medical College 
February, 1874, and since then dis- 
tinguished himself with much credit 
in medicine and surgery. He served 
one term as president of the Medi- 
cal Association of the State. He 
married Miss Annie L. .Ritcheyi 
Febiniary 27, 1876. I 



acres, where Denton now stands. The latter proposition received 
the largest vote, and was selected as the county seat and its name 
changed from Alton to Denton. The county commissioners re- 
ceived the deeds to the land and ordered the town laid off into 
lots, and resei-ved for the county the present public square and 
block 23, selling the remainder to the people at a public sale on 
January 10, 1857.- 0. C. Welch, as the lawyer, assisted by C. C. 
Lacy, and William Woodruff, as surveyors, plotted the city, and 
named the first streets of the city, selecting as names the 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



49 





MR. AND MRS. J. F. MORRELL 

James Farris Morrell was born in Tennessee July 2, 1827. Moved 
to Denton County in 1851. Melvina Crane (Bates) Morrell was born in 
Kentucky September 2, 1835. Came to Denton County in 1851. They were 
married September 26, 1861. J. F. Morrell died April 2, 1898. Mrs. Mor- 
rell now lives in Prescott, Arizona. 



50 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




MR. AND MRS. F. M. READY 



F. M. Ready was boi'n in Kentucky in 1836. Moved to Denton County 
in 1854 with his parents, John and Rosanah Ready. Melisa Jane (Bates) 
Ready was born in Kentucky in 1841. Came to Denton County in 1853. 
They were married in Denton County in 1858, and now live at Sanger. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



51 




JOHN HENRY HAWKINS 

Born in Kentucky January 3, 1826. Came to Nacogdoches County in 
1846, and to Denton County in 1853. He married Mary Ann Byrd April 
19, 1855. Died January 23, 1913. 



52 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




REV. E. T. BATES 

Eugene Taylor Bates, aged seventy-three years, and for the pasi 
several years very feeble from a chronic illness contracted during his fou] 
years' service in the Confederate army, died at 3:30 Friday morning at th( 
home of his brother, Ed. F. Bates, at 100 West Sycamore Street, after hav 
ing been confined to his bed for several weeks. 

The funeral services are to be held at the Ed. F. Bates home Satur 
day morning at 9 o'clock, and the remains are to be taken to Lloyd for in 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 53 

terment in the Oak Grove cemetery at 11 o'clock. A number of friends and 
relatives from over the county are expected here to attend the funeral serv- 
ice, and it is expected that the commitment service at the grave will be 
attended by many old neighbors and friends of that community. 

Mr. Bates was one of the best known of the old pioneer circuit minis- 
ters in this part of the State, having taken up the work begun by his father, 
who was William T. Bates, member of an old Virginia family, who moved 
to Kentucky in the early days and later moved to Texas, riding a circuit at 
one time three hundred miles long, with thirty-one preaching engagements 
each month over Cooke, Denton, Wise, Jack, Montague, and Clay counties, 
jand going into the Indian wilds on each trip as the last white settler could be 
found. E. T. Bates was the only one of the four brothers who continued the 
circuit riding work, his circuit being over much of the same territory that 
his father rode many years before. Of late years, however, he had been 
Compelled because of his chronic trouble, to retire from active work, only 
preaching at times, and conducting funerals when requested to do so for old 
friends or acquaintances. He was born in Barren County, Kentucky, March 
12, 1842, and came to Texas with his father's family in 1851, then a small 
Doy. Several years later, in 1858, he joined the Methodist church at Zion, 
md three years later enlisted in T. W. Daugherty's Company A, 29th Texas 
pavalry, for service in the Confederate army. He returned home after the 
urrender of General Lee, reaching Denton in June of 1865, and two years 
ater was licensed to preach. He joined the Trinity Conference in 1868 and 
vvas assigned as junior preacher under Rev. D. F. Fuller, Sr., to Preston 
ircuit. He continued in the ministry in the Trinity Conference, the North 
Texas Conference, Northwest Texas Conference, and last, the Central Texas 
onference, having held during the last few years a superannuated relation 
o his Conference on account of poor health. Four years of his more than 
hree score and ten years were given to his country, forty-seven to his 
hurch. He had been Chaplain of the Sul Ross Confederate veterans for 
several years, and as many of his old comrades as can do so will attend his 
uneral. 

Mr. Bates is survived by three brothers, Ed. F. Bates, former mayor 
)f Denton, A. T. Bates of Denton, and William P. Bates of Wilbarger Coun- 
y, who will be unable to come for the funeral on account of feeble health, 
le being seventy-eight years old. Three surviving sisters are Mrs. S. J. 
Button of near Lloyd, Mrs. N. A. Witt of Navo, and Mrs. M. C. Morrell of 
Prescott, Arizona, who also is not expected — Denton Record-Chronicle, 
Vlarch 28, 1914. 



54 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




CHARLES L. SMITH 

Born in Kentucky November 20, 1826. Moved to Denton County, 
Texas, in 1853, Married Miss Melissa Hawkins in 1845. Died January 
11, 1914. 



history of denton county ' 55 

Rue Settlement 

This settlement extended for about five miles up Doe 
Branch in the eastern part of the county. This is a small creek 
and when settlement began it had considerable timber on it from 
Little Elm northeast for about seven miles, and had quite a num- 
ber of springs and was considered well watered. The settlers 
strung out up the creek, some on one side and some on the other. 
Louis and Jake Rue and their families settled on it in 1854 and 
later on built an ox-mill to grind corn. They built a church- 
house and called it Good Hope. It has been rebuilt and a Cum- 
berland Presbyterian church was organized, and the organization 
now exists. They have a cemetery adjoining, where most of the 
old pioneers are sleeping, awaiting the roll call : 

Louis Rue, Jake Rue, Ben Rue, Pete Rue, Bill Rue, Dan Rue, 
B. R. Hodges, John R. Hodges, Rev. Barnett Ware, Rev. William 
Ware, Rev. Jim Burnes, Phil Barnes, John Yeates, Dave Yeates, 
Jay Jones, Ben Yeates, Pete Hutchison, Mr. Ferguson, Petway 
Ferguson, Pies Ferguson, C. Copenhavier, Louis Phillips, Bill 
Phillips, Steve Dyle, Josh Burks, Carrell Jackson, Phil Teeters, 
James Spencer, Ike Haws, Tom Button, Marion Jackson. 

This was a Cumberland Presbyterian settlement and named 
after the Rues because they were most numerous, but Calvin 
Copenhavier and Carrell Jackson were its real leaders, and when 
Mr. Copenhaviei' moved to Pilot Point Henry Parvin took his 
place. 

Sand Town Settlement 

This was a name derisively applied to the settlement between 
the two Elms and just north of the present Oak Grove church. 
Here the soil is very sandy and sub-irrigated. Two branches 
flow perpetually. Grassy Branch and Clear Branch. Here on 
these branches the Indians used to camp and spend the winters 
hunting and fishing. When not on the wai"path with the whites 
they would trade dressed deer hides for corn, two bushels of corn 
for a hide, and no one could dress a hide so well as the Indian. 
He was an expert at the business. There was a log schoolhouse 



56 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



built in 1862, and around this the neighbors clustered. The 
schools were poor but were the best they could do at that time. 
Mr. William Robertson built a small steam mill on Running 
Branch just at the close of the war, and William Daniels built a 
stillhouse just above it. At that period Sand Town and Daniels' 



/ 




Pioneer Footprints 



Still wei'e known a great distance ; Sand Town as a deception and 
the other for "white mule whiskey," which was the fighting kind 
and was a source of great annoyance to the settlement. 

Roll call: Rev. J. F. McElhannon, Rev. Josiah Green, Rev. 
Bill Ware, Tom Green, Rev. Alvis Jackson, George Green, Os 
Hogan, William Daniels, General Daniels, Bill Pate, Louis Pate, 
Solomon Pruitt, Milt Tate, Sr., Milt Tate, Jr., Will Tate, John 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



65 




'**, 




JUDGE JOSEPH A. CARROLL 

Born six miles from Louisiana, Missouri, November 23, 1832. Located 
at Denton in 1857. Licensed to practice law by W. T. G. Weaver. Married 
to Celia J. Burris in 1859 in the Murphy tavern on the southeast corner of 
the square. Elected First Lieutenant in Welch's Company in 1861. Elected 
District Judge of the Sixteenth District February 16, 1876. Organized the 
Exchange National Bank and was its president until he died, October 28, 1891. 



66 



HISTUKY OF DENTON COUNTY 



various kinds of wood to be found in the county. Out of the 
revenues from the lot sale, a new court house was built by B. M. 



Street, on lot No. four. Block No. 




P. C. WITHERS 

A veteran of Quantrell's command 
and a citizen of Denton County since 
1868 is P. C. Withers, who was bom 
in Clay County, Missouri, May 21, 
1844, and who joined the Confederate 
army in 1861, with Shelby's brigade. 
Mr. Withers' first trip to Denton 
County was in 1863 with Quantrell 
and he liked it so well that he came 
back after war closed and has been 
here since. He married Miss Bettie 
Lacy, a member of a pioneer family 
here. Mr. Withers served as City 
Assessor and Collector for fifteen 
years and then as County Tax Col- 
lector for four years. He died July 



five on the north side of the 
public square. It was a two- 
story structure built of wood, 
tweny feet wide and forty 
feet long-. The lower room was 
for court, the upper room was 
partitioned off for offices. The 
stairway was built on the out- 
side. (This building was 
burned down Christmas week, 
1875, and the lot was sold at 
auction on January 7, 1876 to 
B. F. and Perry Paschall for 
$393.00.) 

On February 9, 1860, the 
Legislature passed an act au- 
thorizing the County of Den- 
ton to levy a special tax to 
build public buildings, which 
levy was made. C. C. Lacy 
was appointed land surveyor 
for this land district in 1855 
and moved from near Fort 
Worth to Denton when it was 
located. He lived on the coi- 
ner now occupied by the Kin- 
caid three-story structure. He 
had a hotel called the Lacy 
House. He was in the rebellion 
of the citizens against the lo- 



16, 1917. 

cation of the Indians at Fort Belknap, which precipitated the 

Indian fight at Salt Creek. 

In 1857, the following business firms began business at the 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



67 




W. H. PIERCE 

Mr. Pierce was born in Bourbon 

County, Kentucky, May 15, 1842, and 
moved to Denton County in 1875. 
He was married to Miss Annie M. 
Clay August 3, 1858, she dying in 
tliis city January 21, 1913. Mr. 
Pierce served six years as deputy 
surveyor under tlie late Elijah Big- 
gerstaff, and was himself elected 
County Surveyor in 1886, 1888, 1906, 
1908, 1910, 1912, when he declined to 
seek the office again. Mr. Pierce 
for many years promoted better live- 
stock, and did much for the livestock 
interests of the county, as president 
of the Denton Fair Association and 
also as president of the Texas Swine- 
breeders' Association. 



WILLIAM T. CLARK 

Mr. Clark, who was the father of 
Mrs. R. H. Hofi'man of Denton, was 
one of the early settlers of Denton 
County and is well remembered by 
the older people of the county. He 
died in May, 1897, at the Clark home 
on Hickory Creek, near Argyle. Mr. 
Clark was a native of South Caro- 
lina, and was born in Pickens Coun- 
ty, October 14, 1819. He moved to 
Mississippi with his father's family 
when a small boy and at the age of 
twenty-five married Miss Holland 
Carrington. In 1857 they moved to 
Denton County. They made their 
home on Hickory Creek, south of the 
present R. H. Hofl'man farm. 



new county seat : W. C. Bains and W. H. Mounts ; J. M. Smoot 
and Doctor Sutton, J. M. Blount and Doctor Mcllhaney, and 
Steven Hyett. In July, 1861, on Sunday afternoon about one 
o'clock a part of the town was destroyed by fire. The houses 



()8 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




JUDGE J. M. BLOUNT 

Another pioneer who ol'liciated at 
the establishment of Denton was 
Judge J. M. Blount, a Mississippian 
by birth, who came to Texas in 1856, 
at the age of thirty-four years, set- 
tling in Denton County. He assisted 
in the laying out of the county seat, 
Denton, and was later elected Coun- 
ty Judge, which office he held for 
several terms. He was a State Sena- 
tor in 1866, going out of office with 
the Throckmorton administration in 
the reconstruction. He afterwards 
held several other city and county 
offices. Judge Blount was a Eoyal 
Arch Mason and a member of the 
Baptist church. His wife, Sophia 
Caudle, died in 1869, thirty years be- 
fore his own death, which occurred 
February 22, 1899. 



C. A. WILLIAMS 

Mr. Williams has lived in Texas 
under three flags, coming to what 
is now Collin County in 1845, before 
annexation. He was born in Craw- 
ford County, Arkansas Territory, 
April 8, 1832, and after living a 
while in Collin County, moved to 
Denton County in 1852. He served 
in the Confederate army three years, 
was sheriff of Denton County, and is 
today the best historian of early-day 
happenings in Denton County, being 
among the very few who recollect 
the details of those early days in 
Texas. He is still active despite his 
eighty-five years, and is still in 
business, although the details of the 
business have fallen on younger 
shoulders. 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 



69 



and goods of the following men were burned: Blount & Mc- 
Ilhaney, J. M. Smoot, Bains & Mounts, Wolf & Jacobs. 

Fires occurred in several other towns at the same time, and 
it was believed for a while to be the work of the "Union League," 
(a band of Northern sympathizers upon whom much suspicion 
then rested,) quite a number of whom were hanged because they 
belonged to the league. These fires, however, were later attributed 
to combustion of the "prairie 
matches" by the exceedingly 
hot sun that day. These 
matches were the first on the 
market here and were made of 
compressed paper, dipped in 
a sulphur preparation. It was 
demonstrated later on that ex- 
cessive heat would ignite 
them. 

The town was just four 
years old when the Civil War 
began and was in its swad- 
dling clothes, remaining that 
way for about ten years. But 
few of the people remain here 
today to answer the roll call, 
which we wish we had space 
to turn into a biography of 
these people: 

C. A. Williams, J. A. Car- 
roll, S. A. Venters, J. M. 
Blount, William Blount, Doc- 
tor J. P. Blount, Doctor E. P. 
Kirby, James Wilhams, Doc- 
tor G. W. Hughes, Galletin 
Kirby, Jerome Kirby, J. L. 
Lovejoy, Sr., J. L. Lovejoy, Jr., 
Bill Lovejoy, Reuben Gibbs, 




GEORGE HENRY BLEWETT 
Born in Warren County, Kentucky, 
November 15, 1846. Came to Texas 
in 1853 and lived at Richardson, 
Dallas County, until 1890, when he 
moved to Denton County. In 1873 
he married Miss Elizabeth Skiles. 
Organized the Denton Milling Com- 
pany and was its president and a 
director in the Denton County Na- 
tional Bank from its organization. 
He was an elder in the Presbyterian 
church for many years. He died at 
Denton, June 4, 1917. 



70 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



John Gibbs, Jim Gibbs, J. M. Mcllhaney, Robert Mcllhaney, 
Bob King, C. C. Scruggs, J. C. Smith, Jim Smith, Bill Smith, 
W. C. Bains, S. C. Bains, Bob Bains, William Bains, George Mc- 
Cormick, William McCormick, J. R. McCormick, George McCor- 
mick, Jr., Isaac McCormick, John McCormick, Euberto Allen, 
Rev. William Allen, Joel Allen, Tom Egan, W. F. Egan, Hugh 
Egan, G. B. Egan, Dan Merideth, T. N. Skaggs, Jim Skaggs, Rev. 
James Karris, J. B. Farris, Jasper Farris, Pearly Farris, Hiram 




W. F. EGAN 



W. F. or ("Uncle Bill") Egan was 
born in Montgomery County, Ken- 
tucky, January 11, 1834, but moved 
two years later to Randolph County, 
Missouri, where he lived until his re- 
moval to Denton in 1859. He went 
out to the war from Denton County 
and served as First Sergeant of Com- 
pany A, 29th Texas Cavalry, from 
1862 to the end of the war. He married 
Miss M. E. Taylor in October, 1868. 
Mr. Egan was elected sheriff of Den- 
ton County on the first Monday in 
July in 1869 and served nine years. 
He was elected Tax Assessor in 1886 
and served six years, and as City Tax 
Assessor and Collector from 1906 to 
1912, making twenty-four years as a 
servant of the people. Although past 
eighty-thi-ee years old, he is still in 
fairly good health and when he shaved 
his whiskers off the other day for thr- 
first time in about thirty years, friends 
thought he was some new boy 
who had just arrived, failing to rec- 
ognize him minus the beai'd that has 
been shaved only three or four times 
m liii. life. 



Paine, Bill Paine, Dave Paine, Buck Paine, William Paine, Jr., 
John Carter, Hard Carter, Joe Carter, Cas Carter, L. L. Fry, T. T. 
Fry, J. L. Fry, Jesse Fry, D. H. Fry, Ellick Fry, V. L. Fry, W. S. 
Fry, T. M. Downing, Matthew Gray, Charley Gray, Sr., Robert 
Gray, Charley Gray, Jr., William Erwin, Bob Erwin, Jesse Gra- 
ham, Joe Graham, Newt Graham, William Loving, Hiram Cisco, 
Buck Cisco, William Woodruff, John James, Seth Morris, Enoch 



72 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Morris, Steve Hyett, Jesse Hyett, J. B. Duncan, Dave Street, Bill 
Street, Merritt Street, Joe Street, Mansfield Street, W. W. 0. 
Standfield, J. M. Eads, John Smoot, Jim Smoot, Henderson Mur- 
phy, Bob Murphy, Tobe Murphy, Joe Murphy, Lee Murphy, John 
Murphy, Dick Murphy, C. C. Lacy, W. D. Lacy, W. J. Lacy, Char- 
ley Lacy, Ellick Brown, Jim Hawkins, William Hawkins, James 
McCurley, George McCurley, Ellick McCurley, Abe McCurley, 
Frank McCurley, Sr., Frank McCurley, Jr., Murrell Paine, Tobe 
Paine, John Paine, John Evans, William Guthrie, Hugh Forseman, 
Jesse Pritchard, John Pritchard, Gideon Cook, John Cook, J. W. 
Cook, James Cook, Jacob Cook, Abe Dalton, Jerry Dalton, Melvin 
Dalton, Joel Phillips, Sy Phillips, Josiah Aldridge, Lee Aldridge, 
E. Orr, Will Orr, Peyton On-, Berry Orr, C. H. Jackson, G. W. 
Harper, W. H. Mounts, E. Boon, Robert Mayes, J. H. Degan, John 
Richardson, Ellick Roberson, Rev. J. M. Haynes, William Teague. 
W. H. Taylor, L. L. Stroud, Joshua Zumwalt, J. M. McNiel, George 
Bull, Tarleton Bull, Robert Haynes, T. W. Dougherty, C. C. 
Dougherty, Mat Dougherty, Silas Baines, Frank Wilcox, James 
Poindexter, Ernest Gohnor. Sam Loving (1845), Ruese Loving 
(1845). 

The Sullivan Settlement 

This settlement was started in 1847 by John and Dan Strick- 
land settling on Big Elm near the north county line and extending 
down Elm to the mouth of Clear Creek. The Sullivans settled 
here in 1850; being more numerous the settlement was called 
after them, This settlement was often visited by the Indians 
as they would come in from the northwest and they would slip 
down the creek without being discovered, and do their murder 
and theft. Quite a number of raids were made here and several 
Indians lost their lives in the scraps that followed. In one fight 
an Indian shot an arrow into Dug Ledington's thigh, the spike 
of which was carried for fifteen years before it rotted its way 
out. Ledington killed the Indian. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



73 



When the Mexican War began in April, 1846, Wilham Twit- 
ty made up a company in Collin and Denton counties and joined 
Colonel Daniel Montague's regiment in Wahl's brigade to Mexico, 
In this company were John, Dan, and Dave Strickland, who came 
from Missouri in 1844 and located a claim where the town of 
McKinney now stands, which 
they lost on account of a prior 
claim. On their return from 
the Mexican War in 1847 they 
moved to Denton County and 
started this settlement. Dan 
Strickland was tax collector 
for several years. The roll 
call : 

Dan Strickland, John 
Strickland, Dave Strickland, 
C. M. Sullivan, G. W. Sullivan, 
Charley Sullivan, Sr., Jack 
Sullivan, Jim Sullivan, Char- 
ley Sullivan, Jr., B. C. Sulli- 
van, J. E. Sullivan, J. D. Sulli- 
van, John Jones, Jack Jones, 
Jesse Jones, Charley Newton, 
George Newton, John Newton, 
B. F. Cosner, John Shipley, 
Burrell Snuffer, George Ham- 
monds, George Urkenback, 
R. D. Mackenturf, Hiram Cis- 
co, Buck Cisco, Dug Leding- 
ton, Peter Welch, Dick Welch, 
Bill Welch, M. Cams, Bob 
Burns, Morg Burns, Henry 
Prescott, John Havens, D. H. 
Hammonds, John Friend, 
Pete Friend, Jeff Lite, Sam 
Cutberth, John Cutberth. 




MR. AND MRS. J. H. SULLIVAN 

Both early settlers. Mr. Sullivan 
was born in Cooper County, Missouri, 
May 13, 1838, and came to Denton 
County in 1856, settling between Elm 
and Isle du Bois Creek, near the north 
line of Denton County. Mrs. Sullivan 
was Miss Mary Strickland, who was 
born in Missouri in 1842 and came to 
Collin County with her father, John 
Strickland, in 1844, and to Denton 
County m 1847. She is another who 
has liven in Texas under three flags. 
She and Mr. Sullivan were married in 
1858. Mr. Sullivan died May 24, 1916. 



74 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Chinn's Chapel Settlement 

This settlement had its beginning in 1845, by a man named 
Smith, who built a double log house and cleared four acres of 
land. In 1847 he sold out to Abraham S. Loving (father of Jesse 

Loving) , who lived there five 
years (1853) and then sold to 
Elisha Chinn. Here there 
wei'e four springs that fur- 
nished water for the settle- 
ment that clustered around 
them — the Lockhart Spring, 
Murphy Spring, and the two 
Loving Springs. The settler 
well understood that he was 
to haul watei' fi'om these 
springs or fi'om Hickoi'y 
Creek, as no wells had been 
dug at that time. These 
spi'ings were a very important 
factor in making this among 
the first settlements. Nearly 
all the early settlers settled 
on ci'eeks or near springs. 

Preachers would occa- 
sionally pass this way, and 
runners would be sent out to 
invite the neighbors in to 
some I'esidence for preaching. 
The settlers were always glad 
to go at any time in the week ; 
week-day appointments were 
common then. 

Four good ladies — Mrs. Chinn, Mrs. Pinkley, Mrs. Wakefield, 
and Mrs. Loving — met and resolved to have a church house built. 
They had no money, no lumber, no nails, and nothing, apparent- 
ly, but giit and determination. They determined to build a log 




ELISHA CHINN 

Born in North Carolina, October 3, 
1802. Married Mary Stowe in 1830. 
Moved to Denton County in 1853. 
Settled six miles west of Lewisville 
and established Chinn's Chapel camp 
ground. He died in 1875. His wife 
died in 1871. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 75 

church thirteen rounds high, twenty feet square, dirt floor, rib 
pole and board roof, split-log benches. They set a day to build 
the house, and each neighbor came and brought his portion of the 
logs and boards assigned to him, and the house was built at the 
Lockhart Spring. In a short time a preacher named Tyler, 
passed through the neighborhood and dedicated the crude tem- 
ple to the service of Almighty God. The house was first called 
Antioch, afterwards Chinn's Chapel. Here many camp-meetings 
were held that will long be remembered. There are three vil- 
lages now in this settlement — Shilo, Waketon, and Bartonville — 
for whom we call the roll : 

Mr. Lockhart, Lish Cleary, Seth Luttrell, John W. Hicks, 
Leroy Hicks, Brice Rodgers, A. E. Coleman, Elisha Chinn, Jesse 
Chinn, William Boyles, John Springer, Jesse Springer, Joe 
Springer, Sim B, McQuinn, Van McQuinn, Brack McQuinn, 
George McQuinn, R. L. Van, L. B. Teague, Doctor Frank Cash, 
Simpson Wakefield, Jack Wakefield, Lish Wakefield, Frank Wake- 
field, Joe Street, Merrett Street, L P. Sublett, Ira Danley, Levi 
Current, L, Christenson, Marsh York, Lige Moore, Jim Morrow, 
John Smithers, John Lockhart, Joe Smart, Bill Smart, Gabe 
Smart, John Smart, Sam Smart, Doctor M. L. Bradley, Ed Brad- 
ley, Mark Bradley, Joe Rodgers, Elijah Cooksey, J. B. Teague, 
Dave Teague, Bill Teague, John Maloney, Mrs. Guthrie. Bill 
Guthrie, Mart Guthrie, Sam Crawford, Billy Crawford, Henry 
Crawford, Jim Giddens, John Giddens, John Cathey, Billy Malone, 
Wesley Malone, John Malone, Jim Malone, Rev. Jim Hawk, Wil- 
liam Hawk, John Hawk, Frank Hawk, James Hawk, Jr., Pete 
Holdman, Haynes Holdman, Joe Knight, Jesse Gibson, John Gib- 
son, Merritt Gibson, John White, William White, Jasper Fitz- 
gerald, Seth Howard, Kit Howard, John Ruble, Silas Pinkley, Bill 
Pinkley, William Byers, Joe Byers, Ed. Monday, John Sublett, 
John A. Autrey, J. C. Autrey, John Prentice, Bill Mathews, John 
Mathews, John Rodgers, Mathew Rodgers, Peyton Orr, A. D. Cad- 
lel, Jim Rivers, Waid Rivers, Billy King, Curd Smith, William 
Phillips, Amos Bullard, M, L. Bullard, Vandike Lawler, Jim Law- 
er, Fred Lawler, Abraham Loving, Jesse Loving, Dr. T, R. Allen. 



76 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



The Medlin Settlement 

In the fall of 1847 Louis Medlin and his brother, Charles 
Medlin, and their ten sons, George W., Robert, Wilse, Jack, James, 
Wilson, John T., Will 0., J. W., and C. C. Medlin, and Jesse Eads, 
and his seven sons, Isaac, Richard, James M,, John, Jordan, Wil- 
liam, and Perry Eads, crossed Red River at Preston's Bend, and 
moved south down the Dallas and Preston Road and made their 
way to the Peters Colony office, to secure homes for themselves. 

From there they came west to the southwest cornei' of Den- 
ton County at the edge of Grand Prairie and lubbed out the moc- 
casin tracks, settling on Marshall's Ci'eek, which flows northeast 
into Denton Creek. New additions continued to come from Miss- 
ouri and other places. Log houses were built on their claims and a j 
trading house had been built on Elizabeth Creek called Elizabeth 
Town. They had to go to Alton for their mail. 

Their first mill was a steel mill nailed to a tree. It resembled 
a wall cottee mill, only it had two cranks, one for each hand. It 
held about one peck of corn. It required a strong man to run it, 
from which fact it was called the Armstrong mill. It cost $8.00. 
People would come for miles and grind all day long to get a 
turn of meal. They had to go "back East" to get "bread corn" 
and it would take about ten days to make the trip in an ox wagon. 
Usually two or thi'ee wagons would go together and bring corn 
for the entire settlement. 

In 1852, Jesse Eads built a band mill on the banks of Mar- 
shall's Creek to grind corn and wheat. It was a simple structure 
to which horses were hitched, and it pulled round like a sorghum 
mill. There was an upright shaft gudgeoned at the top and bot- 
tom with a beam mortised into it for the horses to pull by. The 
top of the shaft was spoked and rimmed like a wagon wheel, only 
the rim was grooved out to hold a rawhide band which extended 
outside of the horses' circle to a shaft that turned the millstones. 
The rim, which was overhead, was about sixteen feet in diameter 
and turned the millstones very fast unless the rawhide got wet 
and stretched, in which event the mill was shut down until the 
sun dried the belt out. The wheat was ground and put througli 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY , 77 

a hand-sifting bolt which set off to one side and was turned with 
a crank like a grindstone. In 1855, Silas Christal built an ox 
mill on Denton Creek. He ground corn only. 

The first church established here was by John A. Freeman 
in 1854, or rather it was the church which was organized on 
Holford's Prairie in 1845 moved here and named Lonesome 
Dove. It is an organization today. The first schoolhouse 
built in this settlement was a log house built on Marshall's 
Creek at the crossing of the Alton and Birdsville Road. Professor 
Comstock was the teacher. A primitive Baptist church was or- 
rjanized in this schoolhouse and had as pastors Revs. Fisher, 
John Clark, and Joe Loving. 

The buffalo drifted west as the people moved in. The last 
buffalo killed here was in 1856 by Hall Medlin, at Grapevine 
Springs, on the north end of Grapevine Prairie. It was a large 
bull buffalo. Mr. Medlin had secreted himself in a bunch of sage 
^rass. As the animal approached, Mr. Medlin gave it a death 
\vound, which so infuriated the buffalo that when it discovered 
him, it rushed upon him, tossed him over its back with its horns, 
then dropped dead. It had disemboweled Mr. Medlin and so 
ivounded him that he could not get away, and he laid there over- 
sight before he was found and cared for. 

There were different bands of wild Indians roaming over 
:his section of the county. Sometimes they were friendly and 
ometimes hostile. On one occasion an Indian claimed a horse 
;hat a settler owned and about seventy-five Indians presented 
;hemselves at Mr. Medlin's house and demanded the horse and 
fi fight was finally averted by arbitration. 

The borders of this settlement were enlarged and two thriv- 
ag towns are in its borders, Roanoke and Justin. Quite a num- 
ber of the old pioneers and their descendants are here yet. We 
;all the roll: 

Louis Medlin, George W. Medlin, Robert Medlin, Wilson Med- 
in, Jack Medlin, James Medlin, John T. Medlin, Charles Medlin, 
kill O. Medlin, J. W. Medlin, C. C. Medlin, Hall Medlin, A. J. 
yien, R. W. Allen, Taylor Stewart, Jesse Stewart, Nancy Robin- 



78 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



^•'A/^mi 







!___ 



SAMUEL F. REYNOLDS 



Bom in Missouri, September 6, 1832. Settled near Roanoke in Den- 
ton County in 1847. Married Miss Isabel Choat of Grayson County, May 
12, 1854. Was a Confederate soldier in Company E, 29th Texas Cavalry. 
He started in life a poor boy and developed into a wealthy stockman, and 
was president of the Exchange National Bank when he died. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 79 

son, Archie Robinson, Joe Robinson, Charles Robinson, James 
Robinson, Jesse Eads, Isaac Eads, Richard Eads, James M. Eads, 
John Eads, Jordan J, Eads, Wilham Eads, Perry Eads, Richard 
Allen, Hugh Allen, Doctor Tom Allen, Eli Harris, Andy Harris, 
Wiley Harris, Mrs. Rachel Eads, Jesse Gibson, Robert Gibson, 
Bill Gibson, Sr., Bill Gibson, Jr., Peter Harmonson, Perry Har- 
monson, Jack Harmonson, Peter C. Harmonson, W. P. Harmon- 
son, Z. J. Harmonson, John Harmonson, Frank Harmonson, Jack 
Harmonson, George W. Harmonson, Clem Harmonson, Ben Har- 
monson, Joe Dunham, John Dunham, Will Dunham, Henry Dun- 
ham, Ambrose Foster, Jack Foster, Garrett Foster, Jim Foster, 
Sam Hazelton (captain of the emigrant train to California in 
1857), Hugh Reynolds, Sam Reynolds, J. C. Reynolds, Curtis Kel- 
sey, Walter Bruce, Doctor P. C. Bush; J. A. Bush, W. W. Cowen, 
Charley Sutton, Ben Waters, John Waters, Jack Waters, Vick 
Waters, George Waters, Sam Waters, H. B. Selby, Elmore Allen, 
Jerry Burnett, S. B. Burnett, J. J. Burnett, M. B. Lloyd, Spence 
Graham, Gallant Graham, Billy Graham, Ned Graham, Elihue 
Graham, Ves Graham, M. L. Cope, J. B. Cope, W. P. Green, R. R. 
Litsey, M. W. Deavenport, B. H. Deavenport, James Deavenport, 
Doctor Barkwell, J. Carson Parr, Z. H. Parr, B. T. Parr, Rev. 
J. A. Freeman, Henry I. Reynolds, Ed. Reynolds, Emory P. Rey- 
nolds, E. B. Peter, John H. Paine, Randolph Paine, T. R. Allen, 
Robert Allen, Thomas Allen, George Allen. 

Denton Creek Settlement 

This settlement had its beginning in 1854 and extended from 
the present Stony south down the creek. It was not in a compact 
form but like a shoe string stretched up and down the creek. 
As in the early days, they did not settle out on the high prairies. 
Owing to its formation it could not defend itself well against the 
wild Indians, so they made frequent visits to this settlement and 
did much damage. 

In 1857 a schoolhouse was built over on Oliver Creek near 
the present town of Drop. Professor Bill Goday and Professor 
J. D. White taught the school. Later on a school was established 



80 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



at Stony, and a trading point was started which has not made 
much advancement. The present town of Ponder is in the bor- 
ders of this settlement and it is surrounded by one of the best 

wheat-producing sections of 
the county. Most of the old 
pioneers arc gone but in their 
memory we call the roll : 

S-"las R. Christ::!, Stephen. 
Christal, Roland Christal, Jim 
C'lristal, Georr^e Christal, 
Isom Christal, Gran Christal, 




James R Christal, Sev/ell 
Brown, William Blown, Gabe 
Jack, John Wilson, Obie Dod- 
son, Wash Derrick, Dr. Speer, 
Calvin Speer, John Speer, 
Jim Aiken, Jonas Aiken, Wil- 
liam Bryar, J. G. McConnell, 
J. J. McConnell, John McMui-- 
ray, Hiram McMurray, J. B. 
Brandon, Jack Young, Ezekiel 
Youup;. Benjamin Parrham, 
William Kirk, Lewellen Mur- 
phy, Dock Stingley, Dink 
Stingley, Welburn Ramsey, 
Mid Ramsey, A. G. Stapp, 
Jack Reynolds, Henry Thoma- 
son, John D. Thomason, 
George Thomason, F. M. Crowley, M. C. Costen, F. G. Hudson, 
J. A. Hudson, W. C. Hudson, J. J. Clayton, Shade Demson, Wyett 
Wheeler, J. M. Miller, Buford Dabney, Jerome Dabney, Joe El- 
ledge, George Ross, Cage Reynolds, Billy King, John King, Allen 
Brooks, Cage Brooks, S. P. Beebe (surveyor), Jeremiah Pierce, 
Lon McCarty (col.), Andy Walker (col.). 



REV. SILAS G. CHRISTAL 

Born in Macon County, Missouri, 
February, 1847. Came to Denton 
County, Texas, in 1853 and married 
Miss Mary A. Burnett (daughter of 
Jerry Burnett.) He is a Baptist 
preacher of great power and gathers 
much of his inspiration while tarry- 
ing on his knees in prayer. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



81 



' Mr. Cook is one of the early 
settlers of the county, coming here 
when sixteen years of age with his 
parents, Gideon and Edith Cook. 
Although in ill health for the past 
several years, Mr. Cook has taken 
an interest in local affairs. ITe 
served three terms as Tax Collector 
of Denton County, and one term 
as County Commissioner. He was 
prominent in Masonry, being a 
Royal Arch Mason and a Knight 
Templar. He was an almost lifelong 
member of the Baptist church. Mr. 
Cook was bom in Carroll County, 
Tennessee, in 1847, and was mar- 
ried in 1870 to Miss Lucindy Chris- 
tal. Mr. Cook served four years 
in the Confederate army, going out 
from Tennessee. He died Septem- 
ber 14, 1916. 




JOSEPH W. COOK 



The Icarian Settlement, or New Icara 

This was a settlement within the bounds of the Denton 
Creek Settlement and near the town of Justin, and for a descrip- 
tion of the same, I quote from an article in the Record-Chronicle 
of May 12, 1894, written by Alex W. Robertson : 

"In February 1848, the French in the city of Paris, France, 
dethroned Louis Phillipe, and established a provisional govern- 
ment, afterwards a republic. 

"There was a party in France, called the Socialist, which had 
on their banner, "Liberty, Fraternity and Equality." They and 
the troops of the republic under General Cavaignac, had a battle 
in the streets of Paris which continued three days. There were 
30,000 people killed, and the Republic was triumphant. 

"Some of the Socialists concluded to plant a colony in Texas, 
and made a contract accordingly with old man Peters, who was 
then in Europe. In the summer and fall of 1848 the advance 



82 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY > 

guard of the Socialist community, calling themselves Icarians, i 
and numbering about one hundred and fifty men under the leader- I 
ship of Doctor Adolph Gonnough came from France to New Or- '"' 
leans, thence up Red River, and from there, some in wagons, with i 
ox teams, and some pushing hand carts from Shreveport, Louisi- 
ana, appeared in Denton County, 

"The agent of Peters' colony had made a contract with tht 
Icarians to introduce five hundred families into the colony 
The colony was to build a cabin, break and fence at least si> I 
acres of land, furnish a year's provisions, arms, and ammuni- ^ 
tion, farming implements, and 640 acres of land to each hea( 
of a family, and 320 acres to single men. In addition the 
company was to establish stores, where colonists could purchase 
all necessary supplies at reasonable prices. They also agreed 
to buy and pay reasonable prices for all the products that th*^ 
colonists might raise off of their farms, as the markets wer 
good. A section of country over one hundred miles square hat 
been surveyed and sectionized by the colony, and its headquar- 
ters' office in Texas was on the east side of Denton County at 
Stewartsville. 

"The Icarians went from Stewartsville westward through < 
the crosstimbers now known as Frenchtown Prairie. They made 
their selection on the fine land at the mouth of Oliver Creek be- 
tween that creek and Denton Creek. The Peters' colony did not, 
and probably could not, fulfill its promises as far as building 
cabins, breaking and fencing land, and furnishing a year's sup- 
plies. But it had a store at Stewartsville where a good grade of 
goods were sold at fair prices, considering the cost of transpor- 
tation. The goods were mostly of English manufacture, and 
were of superior quality. 

"The Icarians went to work in good faith, built about thirty 
or forty houses, some out of logs, some out of clapboards, broke 
some land and did some fencing, sowed some wheat and made >, 
every preparation for those of them who had families to send for . 
them. They were to be reenforced by another detachment the 
following year, of one hundred and fifty or more. The buffalo 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 83 

had just left the country, but were plentiful forty miles west of 
here. Deer, antelope and turkeys were in abundance, and the 
Icarians had shotguns. Consequently there was no scarcity of 
meat. Denton and Oliver creeks were then full of fish, and large 
numbers of cattle then roamed the prairies. They could put the 
calves in the pens and the cows would come up every evening 
to be milked. There was an abundance of venison, turkey, an- 
telope, fish, milk and butter, which could be had for nothing, and 
the grass furnished ample forage for their oxen, both summer 
and winter. 

"Although they were the outside settlement, there was no 
danger from Indians, as the Icarians were not more than eight 
miles west from the ranger trail and the nearest ranger post. 
The rangers liked the Icarians and were anxious for them to make 
a success. The frontiers were then protected by the rangers, 
with "posts" about every twenty miles on a line from north to 
south, and a mounted patrol of ten men rode every day, each way, 
from one post to another, passing each other. If Indian signs were 
discovered pursuit was commenced, and couriers and signals sum- 
moned reenforcement and equipment from the post for a long 
chase when necessary. The Icarians had few or no horses, and 
there was nothing to attract the predatory bands of Comanches. 
These colonists were a sturdy people and were well able to hold 
their own with any foe. They were never molested by Indians. 

"But New Icara, as they called it, was a failure. The year 
1849 was the rainiest known for years. The Icarians planted 
crops in the spring, but as the sod was very thick and in bad 
condition, but little was made. The season being so wet it was 
very sickly. Doctor Gonnough was not acquainted with Texas' 
chills and fevers, and probably did not have a sufficient supply 
of quinine, as it was very scarce and high. The colonists having 
to use creek water for drinking and cooking purposes, they all 
took sick. The Doctor's mode of treating fever, which was to 
get in the shade on the creek and remain there until the fever 
ended, proved ineffectual. Some of them died. The colonists 
lost confidence in the medical skill and leadership of Doctor 



84 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Gonnough and rebelled against him. He fled in fear of his life 
and went to the ranger post for protection. 

"The colonists selected a new chief, after which they pur- 
chased a quantity of supplies from the Peters colony store at 
Stewartsville, paying for some, and owing for the balance. The 
Peters' Colony Company sued them, running attachments on 
their personal property for the debt. The Icarians, being dis- 
heartened, made no resistance, but abandoned their settlement, 
nevei- proving up any right to their land. They scattered, some 
stopping in Dallas County, where others from France joined 
them. Some went to another Icarian colony in Illinois, and some 
returned to France." 

Thus ended the settlement called New Icara (now called Jus- 
tin) and the lands were left for future settlement. 

Bolivar Settlement 

This settlement was made on Clear Creek and extended up 
it to the west county line in a shoestring formation. The settlers 
then pi'eferred to settle hei'e because plenty of good water and 
timber wei'e available for their uses, and because they came 
from timbered countries and were prejudiced against what they 
called the "high prairies." This settlement was often called the 
Clear Creek Settlement, but the people themselves gave it the 
name of Bolivar. 

A trading point was selected on a tract of land originally 
owned by William Crawford on the north side of the creek and 
about seven miles from the west county line. William Crawford 
sold the land to Rev. Hiram Daily, a Methodist minister, in 1859. 
Hiram Daily was also a doctor. He built a storehouse and put 
in a mixed stock of goods, selling goods, practicing medicine, and 
preaching the gospel. He laid off a town with the streets run- 
ning north and south and sold lots. Mr. Daily built his store on 
the east side and sold to Mr. Blake a lot on the west side for a 
stoie. Mr. Blake put in a mixed stock of goods in 1860. They also 
had a blacksmith shop. 

Those living in the town at that time wei'e Doctor Hiram 
Daily and family, Mr. Blake and family, Widow Washburn and 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



85 




MR. AND MRS. J. W. GOBER 
J. W Gober was born in Marietta, Georgia, March 14, 1826. On No- 
vember 8, 1846 he married Miss Mary Ann Camp. Moved to Texas in 1851 
and to Denton County in 1853, and settled on Duck Creek, two miles north 
of Bolivar. In 1857 he moved on the south side of Clear Creek one and one- 
half miles south of Sanger. He was a Master Mason. He served four years 
in the Confederate army. Mr. Gober then moved to the city of Denton, where 
he died February 21, 1905. Mrs. Mary A. Gober was born in 1826 in Ma- 
reitta, Georgia. She died in Denton, Texas, in 1910. 



86 



HISTORY OF DP:NT0N COUNTY 




WILLIAM CROW WEIGHT 

Born at Clarksville, Texas, February 
28, 1837. Moved to Denton County in 
1858 and raised horses and accumulated 
land. Was in Company F, Madison's 
Regiment. He engaged in twenty-two 
battles, receiving one wound. Mr. Wright 
organized a company in 1866 to help 
drive the Indians from the county. He 
accumulated much property. Married 
Miss Julia A. Gober January 7, 1869. 
He died in May, 1906. 



family, the blacksmith and 
family, and Mr. Shanklin 
and family. 

The town had been 
named New Prospect by 
Doctor Daily. Ben F. 
Brown, who had immigrat- 
ed from near Bolivar, Ten- 
nessee, and settled one mile 
noith of New Prospect, pro- 
posed to change the name 
to Bolivar. He and Doctor 
Daily submitted the two 
names to a vote of the peo- 
ple at an election held in 
1861 (on secession), and 
Bolivar was chosen. The 
town has borne that name 
ever since. Jim McConnell, 
Thomas Saunders, and A. J. 
Nance had business estab- 
lishments there after the 
war. 

The United States 
government established a 
military telegraph line in 
1867 from Sherman to 



Fort Belknap via Pilot 
Point and Bolivar, and had an operator at each of these stations. 
A dirt road followed these poles and was called the Wire Road. 
An incident out of the ordinary occurred, when a man from 
near Pilot Point, with more hot blood and rebellion against the 
United States than he should have had, shot the glass insulators 
off the government telegraph posts. The Federal officers at Tyler 
had him arrested, a writ of habeas corpus w^as sued out before 
the district judge at Denton, who set the prisoner free. This dis- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



87 




I. D. FERGUSON 

Born in Warren County, Tennes- 
see July 4, 1850. Moved to Denton 
County, Texas, in 1857. Served in 
the Confederate army in McCord's 
Regiment. Was in the Indian Scout 
Service. In 1872 he moved to the 
town of Denton, served as mayor, 
city attorney, four terms as county 
attorney, five terms as county judge 
and five years as attorney for the 
M., K. & T. R. R. Married to Miss 
M. E. Chadwell in 1877. They left 
one daughter. Miss Irene Ferguson. 
Mr. Ferguson died February 6, 1916. 



ANDREW JACKSON NANCE 
Born in Williamson County, Illi- 
nois, in 1839. Moved to Denton 
County in 1859. Was married to 
Miss Henrietta Cash April 21, 1861. 
Was a Confederate soldier; a pris- 
oner at Camp Douglass; an Indian 
scout on the frontier; a county com- 
missioner for sixteen years; presi- 
dent of the Old Settlers' Association 
three years; president of the Ex- 
change National Bank at his death. 
He died May 9, 1917. 



trict judge was fined $500 for interfering with Federal Court pro- 
cedure. He had to make a trip to Tyler to defend himself and 
pay the fine. Thus the people of Denton County were taught 
the important lesson of respecting the Federal government's 
property. Many of the best citizens lived in this pioneer settle- 



88 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



ment who never failed to answer the roll call in time of danger, 
and we do not hesitate to call their roll now : 

Joseph Hodgers, John Thornton, Jess Thornton, Jake Myers, 
Sam Young, Joe Young, Hamp Young, S. K, J. Hayherst, Frank 
Whitehead, Jim Washburn, Joe Parker, Gabe Blake, Pone Blake, 
Bow Blake, Bill Wilson, Julius Gest, Chris Fitzgerald, Rev. John 
Curley (Baptist), Philo Miles, Felix Barnes, Edward Forester, 
Lock Forester, Turner Forester, F. W. Forester, John Forester, 
Jeff Chisum, John Chisum, James Chisum, Sol Yoakum, John 
Settles, Abner Fortenberiy, Tom Fortenberry, Sevier Forten- 
berry, William Fortenberry, J. J. Brown, Robert Green, Sam 
Gibson, Amos Walker, Jim McConnell, Rev. Hiram Daily, William 
McConnell, Theodore McConnell, Tom Wilson, Abner Wilson, 
I. C. Wilson, Mack Wilson, Frank Wilson, Bill Wilson, Brad 
Saunders, Tom Saunders, William Richardson, Berry Richardson, 
Wash Hardesty, J. S. Hardesty, Clabourn Cash, Bill Bails, Tom 
Scaggs, William R. Burleson, John W. Gober, J. S. J. Gober, 
William Gober, Otis Gober, Guss Gober, Bill Stansberry, I. D. 
Pollard, George Humphries, Bill Allred, Tom Crawford, Ellick 
Crawford, Bill Crawford, Jack Crawford, Andy Crawford, Amos 
Crawford, Joe Strahan, Ben Strahan, Jim Strahan, George Peel, 
Ben Brown, Steve Curley, Ab Hargis, William Reed, John Strong, 
S. J. Cash, Chris Lugynbyhl, Doctor Hembrey, R. G. Johnson, 
J. M. Waide, D. H. Waide, J. M. Waide, Jr., Sidney Marcus, Je- 
rome Marcus, Clairbourn Marcus, John Triggar, B. F. Copen- ^ 
y/ havier, R. G. Wright, Crow Wright, John Teague, Logan Teague, 
G. A. Grissom, Findley Grissom, M. R. Burleson, Doctor Marion 
Burleson, Jeff Miller, A. J. Nance, Marshall Nance, Jake Nance, 
Anderson Chapman, Sam Chapman, William Chapman, John 
Chapman, J. 0. Alexander, J. P. Knox, J. L. Marcus, Rev. Wil- 
liam Bellamy (Methodist), V. V. Terry, O. H. Keep, Lige 



i 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY §9 

Hodges, Billy Hodges, Cap Hodges, Perry Bogart, Tom Porter, 
Charley Cannon, Buck Cannon, Calvin Williams, Pies Williams, 
Lysander Holland, Green Morris, Jesse Sartin, Daniel Boone, El- 
lick Ferguson, I. D. Ferguson, Rev. Charles Tupper (Baptist), 
Ellick Stephens, Charley Roberty, S. A. Venters, Jasper Hendrix. 
Colored roll: Dan Brumley, Bill Arch, Giles Chisum, Phil Chis- 
um, Oscar Clark, Louis Green, John Houston, John Pollard, Jerry 
Knox, Jim Forester, Tom Cook. 



CHAPTER V 

Early Taxpayers, Prairie Fires, and Wild Horses 

Local taxation began with the formation of the government 
in 1846 in Denton County. There was no public property here 
then, and all things pertaining to civil govei'nment had to be 
provided for, and personal property had then to bear the largest 
part of the bui'den of govei'nment. Lands wei"e given to the 
settlers by the State and were of very little value, often being 
rendered at fifty cents and one dollar per acre and sometimes 
lower. Land certificates were to be had cheaply; a 320-acre cer- 
tificate could be had for fifty to one hundred dollars, and located 
on the best black land, for twenty-five dollars land office fees. 
Land was plentiful and cheap, but few people would buy, and land 
corners and lines were seldom referred to when cutting timber. 

Many similar things were held in common. Grass was con- 
sidered free for all, and people became so imbued with the idea of 
the general providence of God that when the barbed-wire age 
broke upon us in 1880 to 1885, and the country was all fenced up, 
the men without land revolted and we had a free-grass campaign 
in State politics. Free grass was the paramount issue, and the 
free-grass candidates were elected in many counties. The agita- 
tion culminated in night raids on the barbed-wire fences and hun- 
dreds of miles of fences were cut down and destroyed, several 
men losing their lives in this unlawful business. Lands increased 
in value very rapidly after the "barbed-wire era" and now bear 
the greatest part of the burdens of taxation. We give a list 
of the burden bearers of 1850 copied from the tax rolls, ninety- 
seven in all : 

Franklin Allen, Thomas Allen, John Ates, William Bridges, 
A. E. Cannon, E. T. Clary, John Carter, Samuel Clark, Samuel 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 91 

Chowning, Eliza Clary, Aneliza Davis, James 0. Dickson, B. J. 
Doerr, Christopher Dickson, John L. Dickson, W. H. Dickson, 
Isaac Eads, Jesse Eads, James P. French, Oliver M. French, 
Thomas Garvin, William Garvin, William H. Gibson, William 
Gibson, Spencer Graham, James Gibson, Robert Gibson, Wash- 
ington Harmon, N. S. Hazelton, John L. Higgins, P. R. Higgins, 
Leroy Hicks, John H. Holford, Burrell Hunter, Jackson Harmon- 
son, Peter Harmonson, Joel Higgins, L. E. Holland, W. I. Holland, 
Andrew S. Harris, Francis L. Harris, O. W. Harris, John House, 
Matthew Joiner, William C. King, John W. King, A. G. King, 
William King, Christopher King, Shelton Luttrell, John Leach, 
John Loving, A. B. Loving, A, P. Loyd, Ransom Loving, Thomas 
Ligon, Sam P. Loving, Louis Medlin, Henderson Murphy, Lorenza 
Moore, Perry Malone, John H. Maloney, Mary Medlin, Charles 
Medlin, Samuel Noland, Robert Owen, M. J. Owen, Ely Pickett, 
Samuel Peyton, Francis Pierce, Samuel Prichart, William Roark, 
Reason Roberts, Mich Ramsour, John Ragland, John Ritter, Vin- 
son R, Sutton, Taylor Stewart, John W. Simmons, John G. Smith, 
Charles Suggs, John Strickland, John Tabor, David Tannahill, 
S. A. Venters, W. W. Wilson, William Welden, John Waggoner, 
R. M. Woodruff, John White, Thomas West, Solomon Yocurn, 
Joseph Knight, Thomas Waggoner, T. C. Wilson. These ninety- 
seven taxpayers of Denton County for 1850 would indicate that 
the voting population was then less than one hundred voters. 

William H. Dickson was the second chief justice of the coun- 
:y, as the following certificate shows : 
'STATE OF TEXAS, 
County of Denton. 

"This is to certify that William H. Dickson was duly elected 
to the office of Chief Justice for said county, on the 7th day of 
August, A. D. 1848, receiving 53 votes, which was a majority of 
all the votes polled for said office on the above day. 

"Given under my hand and seal of office this the 17th day of 
August, A. D.1848. 

"Jos. T. Turner, 
"Chief Justice of Denton County, Texas." 



92 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

There were probably seventy-five or eighty voters in the 
county at that time and they were without public improvements 
or the means to make improvements and appealed to the Legis- 
lature for relief. The Legislature on February 9, 1860 passed an 
act authorizing Denton County to levy a special tax to build pub- 
lic buildings. The wooden court house built in 1857 by B. M. 
Street had been paid for from the revenues arising from lot 
sales. 

The free-grass agitation above mentioned vitally affected 
nearly all of our citizens, for upon grass, at that time, they 
were almost wholly dependent for a living. This country was 
then regarded only as a stock country. The grass was fine be- 
yond description and comparison. It was a source of our great- 
est blessing, and sometimes a source of destruction on account of 
prairie fires, which would sweep across the country devastating 
all combustibles in their path. 

To illustrate: In 1846, in the month of August, a prairie 
fire started at Dallas and swept the country north to Red River. 
Many other destructive fires occurred but smaller in magnitude. 
The blaze would reach, or leap, in the air thirty and forty yards 
ahead and ignite the grass, and sometimes when the wind was 
favorable the fire would travel faster than a horse could run. 

These prairie fires were a great deterrent to the settlement 
of the high prairies. It was a great task to build rail fences six or 
eight rails high, where the rails had to be hauled on ox wagons \ 
from eight to ten miles away. To see these fences go up in smoke 
in an hour's time, was discouraging. Those who ventured out 
on the high prairies with improvements learned to keep a strip 
of ground plowed around the field so they could burn round the 
field at an opportune time for protection. The fire hazard be- 
came so great on account of carelessness and irresponsible burn-^ 
ing that the Legislature on March 28, 1848 passed a law making 
it a penal offense to willfully burn off any prairie or woodland 
not one's own between the first day of July and the first day of 
February of each year. It was considered proper and right to 
burn the gi-ass off dui'ing February of each year to get rid of 



I 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 93 

the old dead foliage and make way for the new grass which would 
come about the first of March. So there was a time to burn and 
a time not to burn, as stock had to winter on the dead grass and 
it was necessary to protect it for them until the new crop came. 
The most dangerous fires occurred in July and August when the 
dry, hot weather made all conditions most favorable for a con- 
flagration. These were fires out of the ordinary and the people 
would rush to them for miles from all directions to fight them. 
They became experts at fire fighting. 

In the early settling of Texas many bunches of wild horses 
were found grazing on the prairies. They were called "Mexican 
mustang" horses, and were very numerous near the Rio Grande. 
They had been multiplying for probably generations with no be- 
ginning accountable. There were but few bunches here. They 
were as wild as deer, of small stature, generally about twelve to 
thirteen hands high, very hardy, and tough, and never could be 
so tamed but that they would occasionally "buck." They could 
run all day long, and it took strategy to corral a bunch. Generally 
three or four men would build a pen on some small creek in the 
brush and make brush wings from the gate obliquely to the right 
and left. They would find their bunch and chase it one at a 
time, by shifts, nearly all day before the horses would tire down 
so one could get anyways near them to guide them to the 
corral. Then all the men would rush them from different direc- 
tions into the wings and into the corral. This was great sport 
and of such importance that the government passed laws to regu- 
late it. 

On February 16, 1852 the Legislature passed an act to 
regulate mustang chases. It provided that one should go be- 
fore a justice of the peace and get a permit to chase the ponies, 
paying fifty cents therefor and to pay to the county twenty-five 
cents per head for all the ponies caught, and three dollars for all 

t mules caught. If branded animals were caught, the law required 
lone to proceed accordingly to the "stray laws," which provided 
that such animals should be advertised in three public places for 



94 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



twenty days and sold to the highest bidder and one-fourth of 
the money paid into the county treasury. 

There were many theories advanced accounting for the be- 
ginning of these herds of ponies. The most plausible one was 
that the Indians had stolen the horses from the Mexicans and had 
driven them back into Texas and let them go wild. These ponies 
ranged over the country in bunches, not confining themselves 
to any particular locality, and were generally in charge of a 
vicious male who herded them together and drove them wher- 
ever he wished, and sometimes herded in the farmers' horses and 
carried them many miles from home before they were allowed 
to drop out. 



CHAPTER VI 

Secession and War — Our Contribution of Men — Its Effects 
ON THE Morals of Our People 

In 1860 the State was fifteen years old and the county four- 
teen years old. The settlements were few and the improvements 
were crude. Like all new countries, ours had to have its begin- 
ning. Our present county seat was three years old, located on a 
hill covered with large post oak trees and small undergrowth. 
There were five or six summer schools in the county, called sub- 
scription schools, in which spelling, reading, writing and arith- 
metic were taught. 

Our people had come from the older states and it generally 
took from five to six weeks to hear from home, and ten cents 
was charged for a letter. Very few letters came and still less 
papers. We were not much concerned about political affairs, 
as we were not, and could not be, well posted on current events 
of the State and Nation. The people generally contented them- 
selves with the discussion of who should be governor and 
lieutenant-governor, senator and representative. Minor officers 
were seldom ever seen except the "tax gatherers," who never 
failed to come. We had ninety-seven taxpayers in 1850. Ten 
years had passed and the tax lists were larger. 

We were in the war zone between the white man and the 
Indian, as the State's patrol line extended through the county 
from north to south three miles west of Denton at Hickory 
Station, and the "war whoop" of the savages could sometimes be 
heard. The settler was always cautious in going to and fro, to 
look for Indian signs or marks and to report to headquarters 
(Hickory Station) any discoveries. There were three signs par- 
ticularly notable : First, the Indian trail was easily distinguished 
from that of the white man because they rode in single file. The 



96 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



white man rode three and four abreast. Second, the Indians wore 
moccasins. The white man did not. Around water holes and bare 
places close examination was always made for moccasin tracks. 
Third, the Indians, in killing game for food, did not dress meat 
like the white man, and left the remains of the carcass in his own 
peculiai' way. There were many other minor signs of distinction 
with which the early settler was familiar. Notwithstanding the 
settlers' vifjilance, the Indians, by their cunning maneuvers, 
would slip in at night, and secrete themselves in the brush in the 
day, and carry on this constant warfare. Our people were fa- 
miliar v/ith this kind of war, but not prepared for the civil con- 
flict rapidly forming in the older states. 

Oui- people were religiously inclined, and were averse to war. 
We had but few houses of worship, but the people would build 
brush arbors and have great revivals in the summer time and 
camp out for two weeks at a time. From this custom, the name 
"camp meeting" was derived. The pioneer preacher came and 
preached the gospel in the most remote settlements, and the name 
of Jesus was sung amidst the discordant "war whoop" of the 
savage tongue. Often divine worship was disturbed by the un- 
expected visit of a roving band of ungodly red men. It was a 
common sight to see arms carried to church. Some preachers 
carried them for self-protection. These preachers, as a rule, 
were not well equipped with literary attainments, but they 
searched the Scriptures and tarried long at the altar, and 
preached the gospel with greater fervor, zeal, and power than 
that of the average preacher of today. They laid well the foun- 
dation upon which our present civilization rests and to them be- 
long honor and reverence far beyond our apparent gratitude. In 
memory of them I now call the roll of the pioneer preachers of 
Denton County: 

Of the Methodist church — Joe Ab Biggs, John Cald- 
well, William E. Bates, John S. Nobles, Alexander Tullis, 
William Malugen, J. M. Binkley, William C. Young, Jerry Horn, 
John W. Chalk, Jarvis L. Angel, W. H. Hughes, J. W. P. McKen- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 97 

zey, William Bellamy, John Beverly, Andrew Cummins, Harvey 
Cummins, W. F. Cummins, and others. 

Of the Baptists — John Holf ord, J. A. Freeman, Jesse Port- 
man, William Glenn, James Fitzgerald, Silas G. Christal, Eli Witt, 
Andrew Holford, Cas Hall, J. E. McWhorter and J. A. Ball. 

Of the Presbyterians — William Gregory, William Nugent, 
Barnett Ware, William F. Ware, Pig Remson, Jim Burns, Thomas 
J. Malone, G. L. Blewett, Houton Baker, Robert Gutherie. 

Of the Christians — Terrell Jasper, Brice Wilmoth, Jim Wil- 
moth, James Hawk, Doctor Polly, B. F. Hall, Silas Beebee, B. W. 
Reagan, and others the writer cannot now recall. 

Only two or three of these pioneer preachers are now living 
to answer the roll call, but they builded well. As they struggled 
up the mountains among the briars and brambles, here and yon- 
der their footprints are visible. Churches and schoolhouses are 
to be found in every hamlet where once clustered the wigwams 
and teepees of the wild, restless savages. Villages and cities 
are rapidly developing, which remind us that they have sown 
and we are reaping, and that their fathers sowed the seeds of the 
abolition of slavery and that they had to reap the harvest of 
secession. 

The spring of 1861 was ushered in with a great blazing star 
in the northwest, considered by the superstitious to be an "omen 
of bad luck," although a natural phenomenon. There soon fol- 
lowed in its wake a wave of death and destruction. We had no 
means of rapid communication. Three weeks after the fall of Fort 
Sumter the startling intelligence reached us. The words, "Fort 
Sumter has fallen! To arms! To arms!" passed from moutih 
to mouth towards the setting sun, and, like the waves of the 
tempestuous sea, spread awe and consternation in their wake. 

The peaceful people, fully accustomed to the midnight alarms 
of the ferocious savages, were alarmed as never before. There 
was not exceeding eight or ten negro slaves then in the county. 
Speakers came and the men gathered in groups here and yonder 
and "the rights of states to secede from the Union" was made 



98 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



the issue. The hearts of our people were fired with human 
liberty as never before. Drilling grounds were designated in 
sev^eral parts of the county and weekly drills ordered. The 
military spirit prevailed and young Denton County, sixteen years 
old, furnished eight companies of as brave, hardy, and fearless 
soldiers as could be found in the State, with many joining com- 
panies from othei- counties. Nearly one thousand men enlisted 
from the county and went to the front. The poorest armed 
men imaginable foi- such a fearful undertaking. I will describe 
one soldier boy whom I loved, as he bade us good-bye, and he was 
a fair sample and average of the one thousand others from Den- 
ton County who faced the foe. 

See him as he marches out on dress parade, riding his 
Choctaw pony, homemade saddle, homemade butcher-knife, old 
cast-barrel shotgun, and an old "pepper-box" pistol (old-style 
seven-shooter) whose greatest power of offense or defense was 
its name, "pistol." Many of the boys never returned, and some re- 
turned limping, with wounds and bruises, an empty sleeve, an 
empty trouser leg, an eye gone, and in many other ways maimed 
for life and doomed to suffering. These historical truths will 
not appeal to the giddy and gay, though it be the history of 
their ancestors, but to the serious, inquiring mind that loves lib- 
erty and revei'es ancestors, these details may be of comfort and 
consolation, as they indicate a part of the price paid for our liber- 
ties. In memory of these hei'oes I shall call the roll so far as I 
have been able to obtain the names. But I regret to say that the 
ravages of fifty years have obliterated most of them, and the 
memory of the surviving soldiers under the weight of years can- 
not recall more than a few of the once-familiai- names, which they 
heard called so often. We now have to be content with the 
meager rolls at our command. In July, 1861, Col. 0. G. Welch 
made up a company "for twelve months, or during the war." 

"Honor Roll," C. S. A., of Captain O. G. Welch's Co. E, First 
Chickasaw and Choctaw Mounted Rifles, General Cooper's Indian 
Regiment as remembered by W. P. Bates, J. P. Bowles, and Boone 
Daugherty : 



1 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 99 


GERS— 


Causner, Ben 


Mounts, Harry 


Welch, 


Collins, Ike 


Murphy, Joe 


aptain 


Carter, Freeman 


McGarhee, D. C. 


baugherty, 


Donoho, George 


Mayfield, George 


I'irst Lieutenant 


Duncan, Joe 


Morris, Tom 


Carroll, 


Day, John 


McQuinn, Brack 


econd Lieutenant 


Farris, Jim 


Neely, Jim 


[Oker, 


Farris, Joe 


Orsburn, C. P 


hird Lieutenant 


Fry, Thos. T 


Payne, Bill 


Patton, 


Fletcher, Tom 


Petty, Hub 


irderly Sergeant 


Gose, Felix 


Petty, Jonathan 


Heister, 


Gidson, Ewing 


Peak, June 


'irst Sel:'geant 


Houston, Felix 


Prather, James 


Yount, 


Houston, Thornton 


Price, Bill 


econd Sergeant 


Hodge, Jack 


Price, John 


r E. P. Kerby, 


Heiston, T. B 


Payne, Dave 


lurgeon 


Harrison, Malechi 


Payne, Walker 


ATES— 
rson, John 
; W P 


Harless, Bill 
Hodges, Tom 


Redmon, John 
Rector, Ed 


Hodges, Albert 


Strickland, John 


1, Bill 


Hayes, — . — . 


Strickland, Dan 


■•es, Tom 
It, Billy 
ey, Mr. 
es, James P. 


Harper, — . — . 
Havens, John 


Strickland, Tom 
Stallcup, John 


Kerby, Jerome 


Tittle, Dick 


Kearly, Steve 
King, George 


Tutt, Harris 
Thurman, John 


George 


King, Billy 


Throckmorton, Ed 


rd. Wash 


Lane, Jonathan 


Throckmorton, Bob 


J. K. 


Lovejoy, Bill 


Thornton, Jesse 


3tt, Mr. 


Lacy, W. D (Bill) 


Underwood, Press 


J. W. 


Lankston, Jim 


Yeates, Dock 


Jim 


Lightle, Jasper 


Young, George 


;r, Dave 


Mitchell, George 





Eighty-seven out of the one hundred and fifteen remembered. 
Captain T. W. Daugherty's Co. A, 29th Texas Cavahy was 
nized in Denton County in 1862. Here we give Captain 
?herty's muster roll : 



100 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



OFFICERS— 

T. W. Daugherty, 

Captain 
J. C. Baker, 

First Lieutenant 
A. A. Miller, 

Second Lieutenant 
W. J. McNeil, 

Third Lieutenant 
W. F. Egan, 

First Sergeant 
J. J. Smoot, 

Second Sergeant 
Robert Nimo, 

Third Sergeant 
M. H. White, 

Fourth Sergeant 
S. C. Wright, 

Fifth Sergeant 
Byrom D. Hail, 

First Corporal 
R. C. Wright, 

Second Corporal 
M. B. Roark, 

Third Corporal 
E. T. Bates, 

Fourth Corporal 

PRIVATES — 
Anderson, Ambrose 
Anderson, Fox 
Anderson, Hiram 
Bailey, W. R. 
Bains, C. S. 
Ball, Scott 
Ballard, M. N. 
Bates, George 
Bates, J. P. 
Bates, R. H. 
Bates, W. P. 
Brown, W. B. 
Boswell, Giles 
Bridges, T. C. 



Broils, T. M. 
Brown, W. J. 
Calhoun, E. W. 
Cochrane, J. A. 
Cash, T. A. 
Crowley, F. M. 
Crowley, W. M. 
Day, J. J. 
Dalmyer, Arnold 
Daugherty, C. C. 
Dabney, J. B. 
Dunham, J. A. 
Egan, Tom 
Egan, G. C. 
Edwards, Ben 
Earp, R. R. 
Fisher, Sylvaneous 
Glassford, S. L. 
Heaps, J. 
Henry, T. O. 
Herage, J. 
Hokes, C. D. 
Holland, C. W. 
Hawkins, J. A. 
Hamilton, J. M. 
Hawsworth, J. F. 
Hickey, W. W. 
Hickey, J. H. 
Hobaugh, H. 
Kendall, J. M. 
LjTich, M. D. 
LjTich, F. M. 
Law, J. D. 
Lee, James 
Morgan, E. 
Mills, J. C. 
Morrell, J. G. 
Morrell, J. F. 
Moss, Rube 
Moore, Bill 
Morris, T. R. i/ 
Mitcheltree, George 



McGee, J. R. 
Matthews, P. K. 
Miller, Dan 
McQuinn, A. 
Morris, E. 
McCormick, George 
McMurray, John 
McQuinn, Brack 
Nickols, J. N. 
Nimo, B. F. 
Robertson, A. W. 
Reed, L. C. 
Runnells, Sam 
Robertson, James 
Sublett, T. H. 
Stingley, J. T. 
Smith, A. F. 
Smith, J. J. 
Shearer, G. C. 
Shance, A. H. 
Skaggs, J. M. 
Street, M, R. 
Street, J. M. 
Stover, J. M. 
Schneider, John H. 
Schneider, Abe 
Thomas, S. J. 
Talley, J. A. 
Talbert, W. H. 
Tefertiller, J. N. 
Tefertiller, M. W. 
Taylor, W. H. 
Tate, C. M. 
Teel, E. A. 
Townley, Jack 
Thomas, John 
Vaughn, F. M. 
Vinyard, B. N. 
Wells, Gilbert 
Wright, J. M. 
Wright, Robert 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



101 



Captain Sam Lusk's Co. A, 14th Texas Cavalry organized 
October 28, 1861, in Denton County, as remembered by William 
McCormick: 



OFFICERS— 
Sam V. Lusk, 

Captain 
J. B. Ford, 

First Lieutenant 
Cap Brisco, 

Second Lieutenant 
Joseph Huflf, 

Third Lieutenant 

PRIVATES— 
Bennett, J. L. 
Burchfield, William 
Brisco, Joe 
Baugh, John 
Baugh, Peter 
Bogus, Sargent 
Barns, K. F. 
Chinn, J. F. 
Clayton, Ed 
Crites, Dan 
Derrow, William 
Duvall, George 
Duvall, Dave 
Daniels, Jesse 
Donoho, William 
Egan, E. H. 
Egan, J. H. 
Ford, J. B. 
Fulton, — . — . 
Foster, Jack 
Franks, John 
Gates, J. 
Gatier, George 
Howard, K. 
Hale, — . — . 



Huff, Joseph 
Huff, Charles 
Huff, Sam 
Holmes, Add 
Henry, Sam 
Hopkins, Henry 
Hutchinson, Sam - 
Hill, William 
Harris, James T. 
Harper, Dick 
Hopkins, — . — . 
Henderson, M. 
Hargraves, Hugh 
Hargraves, Quinlin 
Holland, Milton E. 
Hayes, Corporal 
Knap, Joe 
Lusk, S. V. 
Little, C. H. 
Lee, Jesse 
Lacy, W. J. 
Louis, Bob 
Long, J. A. 
McCormick, William 
Maddox, Tom 
Martin, A. 
Morgan, W. C. 
Morgan, William 
Morris, W. C. 
McMurray, Tom 
McQuinn, Sim B. 
McArthur, Sam 
Mershon, Williani 
McCarty, W. J. 



Pamplin, William 
Pool, Dave 
Penn, W. E. 
Reed, Aleck 
Roark, I. M. 
Rickett, R. T. 
Robinson, F. M. 

Robinson, — . — . 
Rushing, — . — . 
Rube, John 
Ray, Aaron 
Street, W. H. 
Street, Dave 
Street, Chesterfield 
Shahan, Tom 
■ Shahan, John 
Shahan, George 
Spi-ouce, J. A. C. 
Smith, Martin 
Smith, Booth 
Smith, Frank 
Slade, John 
Slade, Jim 
Simbs, M. P. 
Stover, Mart 
Stover, John 
Stapp, Riley 
Smart, William 
Vaughn, Tom 
Witham, Walter 
Wright, Henry 
Warren, C. C. 
White, — . — . 
Yeatts, John 



Oats, Brawley 

The above shows ninety-seven men out of one hundred and 
twenty-five enlisted. 

Captain F6lix McKittick's Co. G, 18th Texas Cavalry, C. S. 



102 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



A., organized in Denton County February, 1862 as per roil 
served by Hugh McKenzie. | 



OFFICERS— 
Felix McKittrick, 

Captain 
R. H. Hopkins, 

First Lieutenant 
W. B. BrowTi, 

Second Lieutenant 
Charles Robinson, 

Third Lieutenant 

PRIVATES— 

Allen, William 
Allen, John 
Allen, George 
Ackison, Henry 
Brown, James 
Brown, Robert (Chock) 
Burnett, William 
Brewster, John 
Berry, John 
Birdsong, William 
Bull, Tarleton D. 
Bellya, E. B. 
Craft, Thomas 
Craft, Jesse 
Crawford, Andy 
Crawford, William 
Crawford, Joe 
Castleberry, John C. 
Cook, Jake 
Cash, Doctor F. D. 
Clark, W. T. 
Courtney, John C. 
Davis, David 
Derrick, Fleming V. 
Daugherty, Boone 
Dunham, W. 0. 
Dollar, Ambrose 
Elder, John 



Eads, James 
Eads, Perry 
Farris, Jack 
Farris, Marion 
Farris, Pearl 
Ferguson, John 
Fitzhugh, (Fitzy) 
Fry, Jeptha 
Graham, Spencer 
George, Isaac 
Gibbs, Addison 
Gibbs, John 
Gibbs, James 
Gillis, Dan 
Hunter, J. D. 
Harris, M. W. 
Huff, Noah 
Harris, Jasper 
Kelsey, Curtis 
Lawler, William 
Loving, Joseph 
Loving, William 
Long, Wesley 
Long, Edward 
Laxton, Dave 
Lam on, Howard 
Medlin, W. O. 
Medlin, Robert 
McKenzie, Hugh 
Mason, David 
Myers, Samuel G. 
McQuinn, Brack 
Martin, Sam 
Martin, John 
McKee, William 
Mahan, J. J. W. 
McCaslin, John 



McCombs, John " 
McCombs, David 
Neil, David, 

"Onion-head" 
Nowlin, James 
Paine, William 
Paine, Murrell 
Pennal, Acy 
Petty, John 
Peter, E. B. 
Pinkley, William ] 
Reynolds, Newton 
Reynolds, William 
Reynolds, John C. 
Re>Tiolds, Joe 
Robinson, Joseph 
Robinson, Anthonj 
Robinson, Mike 
Roberts, Solomon 
Reagan, B. W. (R 
Smith, James 
Smith, J. W. "Ante 
Siglar, George 
Siglar, Jake 
Stroud, L. L. 
Stepper, G. W. 
Terry, Thomas 
Thomas, William 
Trippett, J. C. 
Wakefield, Frank 
Wakefield, Thomas 
Williams, C. A. (E 
Williams, Sam 
Williams, Ash 
Whitlow, Charles 
Whitlow, Allen 
West, Thomas 
Yeakley, M. V. B. 
Young, Samuel 



Myers, Noah 

Muster roll of Captain S. W. Merchant's company in 
First Regiment of Cavalry Volunteers commanded by Col. IV 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



103 



Johnson. "Called into the service of the Confederate States, in 
the provisional army, under the provision of the act of Congress, 
passed February, 1861. From December 23, 1861 (date of this 
muster roll) for the term of twelve months from February 15, 
1862, unless sooner discharged." 
OFFICERS— Adams, Marion 

James S. W. Merchant, Burkes, William * 



Captain 
James W. Bates, 

First Lieutenant 
Glaibourn W. Merchant, 

Second Lieutenant 
Robert F. Black, 

Third Lieutenant 
Charles T. Clayton, 

First Sergeant 
John S. Hundley, 

Second Sergeant 
William Willis, 

Third Sergeant 
Patrick Terrell, 

Fourth Sergeant 
Parmon Henderson, 

Fifth Sergeant 
John W. Walker, 

First Corporal 
Matthew Kelley, 

Second Corporal 
Aaron Wilbourn, 

Third Corporal 
Oliver C. Grimes, 

Fourth Corporal 
Thomas S. Hammonds, 

Ensign 
Daniel Crites, 

First Bugler 
John Jackson, 

Second Bugler 
Joseph Thurman, 

Farrier 
PRIVATES— 
Adams, William E. 



Bates, Matthew T. 
Burris, William 
Balew, Samuel 
Cantwell, Stephen 
Copenhaven, C. ■= — ~ 
Case, Beverly 
Case, John T. 
Champion, George A. 
Capps, William 
Dial, Downing 
Dial, Elijah O. 
Elms, James W. 
Flippen, John C. 
Fletcher, David S. 
Farris, Alexander C. 
Godwin, Isaac A. 
Hammond, William G. 
Hickland, John W. 
Hull, William 
Henderson, William L. 
Henson, Daniel C. 
Harlis, John B. 
Harlis, Euriah C. 
Jones, William J. 
Key, William G. 
Kansworthy, Andrew J. 
Ledbetter, John D. 
Lear, J. K. P. 
Lester, Phillip R. 
Lovell, William 
Morris, John T. 
McLane, James L. 
Mansfield, John M. 
Munday, Frank L. 
Murphy, Joseph 



Moore, John W. 
Mathis, William R. 
Nash, William N. 
O'Hair, William E. 
Orr, David 
Orr, William 
Owens, Jesse 
Pate, Joseph 
Plunk, David 
Phillips, Acy 
Pool, Thomas 
Rushing, Dennis 
Rice, Henry W. 
Rice, William 
Ready, Willis A. 
Rue, William B. 
Rue, John B. 
Rue, R. Walker 
Ray, Daniel 
Ray, William S. 
Skinner, Francis M. 
Skelton, Francis 
Smith, Daniel R. 
Skelton, William H. 
Smith, David 
Skelton, George N. 
Self, Felix G. 
Spencer, Joseph H. 
Spencer, J. K. P. 
Taylor, Columbus 
Thompson, Joseph R. 
Walker, James E. 
Walker, Arthur H. 
Waldron, James W. 
Wright, William B. 
Wright, Lafayette 
Wright, James M. 



104 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Warren, John R. Williams, Martin V. B. Yeates, William 

Welch, William Wisdom, Marion V. I 

Wilboum, John R. Wadkins, William W. 

This company of 101 men was enlisted at Pilot Point. 
More than one thousand men enlisted in Denton County, but we 
are unable to secure the names of half that number, because of 
the destruction of the muster rolls, and for the further reason 
that the fifty-five years of intervening time have erased many 
names from memory. But I feel unwilling to close this record 
without making this miscellaneous list which is in my own per- 
sonal knowledge of men who enlisted in the war : 
Bates, Willis H. Hawkins, Jehue D. Potter, W. T. C. 

Bates, John H. Hawkins, F. Joseph Riley, Doctor J. S. 

Button, Thomas Hawkins, John H. Smith, Charles L. 

Beal, R. T. Hawkins, Billy Smith, Chancy 

Craven, Anderson Hawkins, William F. Tabor, S. B. 

Daniel, Col. John W. Hodges, B. R. Wilson, N. Y. 

Demken, J. B. Landrum, John T. Wright, W. C. 

Harrison, Tom McNeil, Louis Walker, Amos 

Hoskins, B, J. Munday, George 

Thei-e were also oi'ganized the "home guards," composed of 
men over sixty yeai's of age and boys from sixteen to twenty 
years of age. They met and drilled periodically. Their duties 
were to look after and provide for the "war widows," a term 
applied to the wives of absent soldiers; to protect us from the 
wild Indians, who occasionally raided our county; also to ad- 
minister law and order at home, as we scarcely had any other 
from 1861 to 1868. It was a military rule and worked fairly 
well, as the old men decided on the proper thing to be done and 
the boys earned it out. 

The home guards patrolled the county against the Indians 
very successfully in the beginning, but in the later part of the 
strife and up to 1870, the Indians became very troublesome by 
their raids, murdering women and children, and stealing thou- 
sands of horses. Of the horses we had a plentiful supply. The 
guards were to see that the "war widows" were protected and 
food provided for them, at least meat and bread. There was 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 105 



an abundance of cattle on the prairies and the county was sub- 
divided into convenient districts and men appointed to butcher 
meat twice a week in each district (except in winter, when cattle 
were poor; then they used dried beef). Corn was scarce, and 
oread at times was hard to get. The "widows" would send for 
t, and of course it was free. 

This was a seed time of criminality, in the destruction of 
property rights, which afterwards produced an abundant harvest 
—the inevitable result. The boys from twelve to eighteen years 
)f age left at home suddenly without having due preparation, had 
bhe duties and responsibilities of mature manhood thrust upon 
them, and enthused as they were by the dominating military 
spirit, freed from restraints of the moral standards of right, 
iominated by the false doctrine that "might makes right," drifted 
t'apidly into crime and in after years became our worst criminals. 
[t is a noted fact that Denton County's period of greatest crim- 
inality extended from 1868 to 1886. The crimes were chiefly 
against property rights, committed piincipally by the boys of the 
war. Thes^ crimes demonstrated the truth of the divine law, 
"Whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap." True, we had some 
few criminals to return home from the war, men who had become 
demoralized and needed reconstruction. They believed honest- 
ly that the States had a right to secede from the Union, but the 
arbitrament of the war was in favor of "might against right." 

But the majority of the Denton County soldiers who were 
permitted to return home after the war were either emaciated, 
worn, weary, diseased or wounded — not conquered, but over- 
powered — not whipped, but outnumbered — still believing in 
States' rights and preservation of property rights. They made 
the best class of citizens. They had no negroes to be freed. 
There was not over one soldier in one hundred from Denton 
County who owned slaves. Their loss was one of principle, the 
i-ight to secede from the Union. They, in good faith, yielded to 
the force of majorities and needed no reconstruction. 

In the spring of 1862 it was discovered that there was a 
secret organization among the Union sympathizers, and that 



106 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



I 



they had concerted plans to fight their way through to 
Union lines. At that time it was charged against them that 
plan was to fight their way through on a selected date, U\ 
men, women, and children as they went, and to use the 1 
freely. Just how much truth and how much falsehood ex 
will probably never be known. This organization did, how- 
exist in Cooke County, Denton County and Wise County, 1 1 
strongest in Cooke County. In the beginning the adherents c 
themselves "The Peace Party," declaring themselves oppost 
wai-. There were doubtless many good men who joined i 
many men wei*e opposed to secession and to war. 

But this secret organization soon became a lawless or^ 
zation, and took upon themselves a new name, "The U 
League,"" meeting in the tlu'ee counties named, augmenting t 
numbers. Overtui'es were alleged to have been made to Nev 
Chance of Cooke County to become a member, and he took 
matter up with General Henderson and Captain Young, who 
chai'ge of the Northwest Texas home guai'ds, with headquari 
at Gainesville. It was aiTanged for ]\Ii\ Chance to join 
order, find out all the plans, and parties, and report back to h« 
quaiters. This he did, giving the purpose of the order and 
names of many of its members. Cooke, Wise, and Denton cc 
ties were involved. The people of Cooke County suffered 
reported diabolical purposes of this secret order to inflame tl 
passions, dethi'one their reason, and influence theii' judgmen 
such an extent that they rose up en masse and hanged ab 
twenty-five men. They had some kind of militai'y trial, 
the fate of these men rested on the proof of theii* members 
in this order and Mi'. Chance was the witness. In Wise Cou 
they acted more deliberately, and were not wrought up. Capt 
John Hale, who had a company of scouts at Decatur, was orde 
to aiTest and bring to Decatur for ti'ial all the members in t 
county. A trial commission of fifty of the best men of t 
county was organized and presided over by Rev. William Bella] 
a Methodist preacher, and the then presiding elder of t 
western district of the East Texas Conference. This court of 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 107 

people acted more in the bounds of reason and turned many men 
loose, whose criminal intent could not be established, but they 
found five men guilty, and they were hanged. In Denton County 
several arrests were made near Pilot Point, but the stoiin of in- 
dignation had, to some extent, lost its fury as the passion of the 
people cooled. The gi-ewsome awe of bodies swinging from 
limbs of trees at Gainesville and Decatur, and the sight of weep- 
ing widows and oi^hans had restored reason. The men arrested in 
Denton County were all turned loose but one, a I\Ir. Beard, who 
was rushed upon while in prison and shot to death by an in- 
furiated citizen. This man was convicted of manslaughter and 
served a term in the penitentiary after the war for killing Mr. 
Beard. 

In 1863 three men were hanged in a gi'ove between Panther 
Creek and Doe Branch in the eastern part of the county on land 
now o^^'ned by Billy T. Wilks, within five miles of the wT.'iter. It 
was secretly done. The bodies were cut down and buried under 
the tree, and old saddles which had belonged to the dead men, 
were left setting close by. The hanging was attributed to the 
home guards, and it was noised about that the executed men had 
been caught stealing horses. One morning about day-break the 
people found a man hanging on a tree in the public square 
of Denton, on the west side, and on his back was pinned this 
placard, "Caught riding a horse not his o^^^l." There were other 
similar executions of a mysterious character, which were at- 
tributed to the home guards and apparently had a deteiTent 
effect on horse thieves, as but few horses were stolen during the 
war, except by the Indians. 

On January 28, 1861 the secession convention met in Austin. 
It was composed of one hundred and seventy-four members. 
Denton County was represented by ex-Goveraor James W. 
Throckmorton of Collin County. He was a brave and courageous 
statesman who voted his sentiments. Although ovei-^vhelmingly 
in the minority, he and six others voted against secession, while 
one hundred and sixty-seven voted for secession. \Mien he 
arose to his feet and voted "no," the convention hissed, and he 



108 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



exclaimed, "Well may patriots tremble when the rabble hiss!" 
He advocated that we had a right to secede but that it was not 
expedient at this time to do so. Just which was right was prob- 
lematical, but he cheerfully yielded to the majority and raised a 
company of men from Denton and Collin counties and joined 
Col, William C. Young's regiment of Cooke County, and in May 
they crossed Red River and captured Forts Arbuckle and Washi- 
ta, the Federal general, William H. Emory, retiring the Federal 
forces into Kansas. As soon as this feat was accomplished he 
carried his company into the Sixth Regiment of Texas, and con- 
tinued through the war. Col. Young's regiment was hastily 
thrown together to capture the Federal forts and retire the 
Federal army. Thus, Denton County was early into the war. 

The election on secession was held February 23, and in May 
we had taken charge of the forts on our border. They did not 
believe that the Federal government would resist until Fort 
Sumpter had fallen, notwithstanding they had taken chai'ge of 
every fort in the State under the awe of military propaganda. 
It was called the resumption of our rights as states. As before 
stated, our civil government was comparatively lost sight of and 
swallowed up by the military. 

In 1863, Pess White, a negro man about thirty years old, 
was charged by one of our "war widows" with having visited her 
room at night and attempting an assault. The guards took him 
in charge and gave him a trial before Joel Clark, a justice of the 
peace, at Little Elm. He was given a speedy trial, and con- 
demned to death. The woman's husband, who was with Martin's 
troops near Bonham in Fannin County, was sent for to act as 
executioner. The offense had been committed in Denton County 
but the execution took place in Collin County, about one mile 
southeast of Frisco, in Mr. Lighter Hoffman's pasture just about 
sunset. The negro was given fifteen minutes in which to pray 
and while upon his knees and hands in the attitude of prayer, 
he was shot. The bullet passed through from side to side just 
below the shouders, and death was instantaneous. About the 
same time old Nelse, a negro belonging to the Dougherty broth- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 109 

3rs, was charged with trying to poison some of our "war widows." 
He was tried, and was hanged to a tree in Denton. At Pilot Point a 
aegro who had murdered a man was arraigned before a justice of 
the peace, tried by a jury, condemned to death, and was hanged 
to the public well sweep until dead, demonstrating the fact that 
the justice's court can hang a man. 

These three cases are the only ones where the negro was in- 
volved in our county during the war, and are recorded to show not 
mly the fact, but the method of meting ®ut justice by the white 
men or home guard. Quite a number of white men were hanged 
in like manner. The execution of these three negroes may seem 
unauthorized and barbarous, but when compared to the lynch- 
ings and the use of the torch of this age, which took place in our 
adjoining counties, we can but commend the wisdom, patience, 
and mercy of the home guards of 1861-65 in their effort to protect 
the women and children of Denton County. 

Fifty-two years have passed and court houses, churches, 
and schools abound. The people have made rapid progress in 
every other line but the negro question is still unsettled in the 
matter of crimes against white women. Lynchings are of fre- 
quent occurence, and the wild passions of men seemingly can- 
not be controlled, either in the North or South, when these hor- 
rible crimes are committed. Denton County has never yet burned 
a man at the stake. 

On December 25, 1861, the Legislature passed a law divid- 
ing Texas into brigade districts, fixing the ages of men liable to 
military duty — from eighteen years to fifty years — and prescrib- 
ing exemptions from military duty. Denton County was in 
Brigade District No. 21, composed of Denton, Cooke, Wise, 
Montague, Jack, Young, Clay, Wichita, Archer, Wilbarger, Bay- 
lor, Throckmorton, Hardeman, Knox, Haskell, Stephens, Shackel- 
ford, and Jones counties. 

Each brigade district had a brigadier general appointed for 
it by the governor, and to him all troops of the district reported. 
The western counties of this district had but few men to go. 
Hence there was no brigade from this district. The patrol line 



110 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

against the Indians had been moved farther west, and frontier 
protection v.as still the care of the Legislature. 

On December 15, 1863 the Legislature passed an act for the 
protection of the frontier, and conditionally turned over to the 
C. S. A. the frontier regiment. Said regiment was to be strictly 
made up of bona fide residents of said territory, men who lived 
in the counties of Cooke, Wise, Parker, and on the south and west 
to Maverick County, and all west of said line. The officers and 
men had to take an oath to arrest and turn over to the C. S. A. 
all men fi'om frontier counties avoiding conscription. 

Conscription of all able-bodied men between the ages of 
eighteen and fifty was then in order. John L. Lovejoy, Jr., was 
Denton County's consci'ipt officer. The passion of patriotism 
had somewhat abated, and we had some men who would not go. 
Some that Mr, Lovejoy could not catch crossed into Wise County 
and joined the frontier regiment. 

We wei"e not overi'un with ai'mies in Denton County, nor 
distressed with the boom of battle. The horrors of war here 
seemed to i-each its climax when the conscript act was being 
enforced. Patriotic men who voluntarily went to fight the 
country's battles did it with so much grace and fervor that the 
family could not feel distressed even though it be a bleeding 
sacrifice. But when the boy of eighteen, in the bloom of youth, 
the very pride of his mother's heart, was being torn from the 
family, the cup of woe was drained to the dregs, and the con- 
script officer was held in derision and was the object of many 
offensive epithets. 

The inequality of the conscript act, in exempting from its 
requirements one white man to every six negro slaves the family 
owned, permitted the rich man and his son to stay at home, under 
the plea of making bread to support the army, while the poor 
man and his son had to fight for the maintenance of slavery in 
the South under the guise of the "right to secede" and the 
privilege that all had, but none but the rich could avail them- 
selves of, of hiring a substitute to go in their place. The general 
discussion of these inequalities, so plainly written in the act, 



112 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

made the act so obnoxious that it was hard to enforce it in Denton 
County, and put upon the Hps of the people the assertion that it 
was a "rich man's war, but the poor man's fight." 

Whatever the real issues were, it matters not now. We 
passed through its strife and when the struggle was over the 
remnants of our boys in gray came home, not whipped, but over- 
powered — not conquered, but disarmed — not heralded as the 
saviors of the nation, but heroes of the lost cause! Thin and 
worn, one by one, over a period of twelve months, they came; 
grim, dusty, and in rags, with blistered feet and sore wounds. 
But the period of long, anxious waiting of the great loving heart 
of woman in the hour of suspense could hardly be borne. Was 
he killed, or will he ever return? was revolved over and over in 
the mind, and the woman, the great head of the families of the 
county, spent the lingering hours of the slowly passing century 
in prayerful, watchful waiting. She constantly scanned the home- 
coming roads that led from the mighty conflict, and from the 
early dawn of the morning to the twilight of eve the busy eye 
welcomed the approach of any soldier bearing tidings to the 
hungry heart. And the trained ear caught the distant sounds 
of approaching steps at night and the query would ring out over 
the balmy breeze, "Ts that you, my soldier boy? At last is that 
you ?" And the cadence of a voice, long lost but well remembered, 
would break upon the ear, and the hour of rejoicing would come. 
Four years of separation had come and gone, and the familiar 
voice was again to make glad the home. But, alas ! alas ! Just 
over yonder still hangs the gloom to that house, the soldier never 
returned. The vacant chair was never filled, the empty void of 
the aching heart remained empty still — and memory of the beau- 
tiful life and pleasant association \vas all that remained. 

The home-coming in Denton County portrayed the home- 
coming in other counties. All phases of chivalry and manhood 
were manifested by the heroes of the lost cause. They sur- 
rendered the right to secede from the Union and agreed to the 
abolition of slavery in obedience to the arbitrament of war. They 
agreed to the ratification of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fif- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY ll3 

teenth Amendments as the products. of might. They submitted 
to the disfranchisement of themselves, as they as honest men 
could not subscribe to the "amnesty oath," which declared that 
"they had never aided, abetted nor sympathized with the re- 
bellion." They agreed that no man should ever be disfranchised 
on account of race, color or previous condition of servitude, and 
that the Southern soldier should be disfranchised on account of 
aiding, abetting and sympathizing with the lost cause. He had 
seen the setting sun of his lost cause as it went down in sorrow 
and gloom, lost to him, never to return. The twilight of darkness 
and despair overshadowed him as he viewed the wreck and ruin 
of the once beautiful and happy home. Poverty and want were 
visible in the faces of his loved ones and the stout heart that had 
faced the cannon's roar burst forth in sorrow, as it said in the 
language of Hagar, "Thou God, seest me," and the spring of water 
burst forth from the mountain's side and new life, new hope, and 
new aspirations came to the weary and worn soldier as the 
shades of night and the dreams of poverty passed away and the 
early dawn of a new day was heralded abroad. The old soldier 
caught the order, "about face," and in obeying the command, he 
beheld the beauties of a rising sun, and adjusted himself to a busy 
life with the arts and sciences from which the present greatness 
of Denton County has come. 

The now busy soldier was found to be just as brave in ad- 
versity as in war and equally as resourceful. To perpetuate the 
memory and provide for the distressed comrades in arms, they 
organized at Denton, Sul Ross Camp, No. 129, of Confederate 
Veterans, which still meets with the following muster roll : 

OFFICERS Alex W. Robertson, C. C. Sullivan, 
J. W. Curtis Adjutant Quartermaster 

Commander Doctor J. R. Edwards, PRIVATES 

J. A. Neely, Sergeant Anderson, R. B. 

First Lieutenant „ ,, ^ .„„ , Bacon, John 

r. T^ T, .- F. M. Griffith, t> + t t> 

Boone Daugherty, ri, i • Bates, J. P. 

Second Lieutenant Chaplam Brown, W. C. 

J. C. Parr, Jacob, Lipes, Brown, W. B. 

Third Lieutenant Color Bearer Brownlow, J. C. 



' 



114 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



* Brock, Doctor 


E. J. 


Hall, Doctor W. V. 


Parker, H. T. C. 


Burge, T. F. 




Horn, E. P. 


Prescott, J. B. 


Baugh, L. N. 




Hardwick, F. L. 


Robertson, A. Wayne 


Bowles, J. P. 




*Hankins, C. A. 


Ruddell, J. L. 


Cartwright, J. 


T. 


Hall, C. M. 


Stover, J. M. 


Carrelton, W. 


P. 


Hawk, W. L. 


Schappaul, G. W. 


Chambers, J. R 




Hoffman, R. H. 


Smoot, Homer 


Camp, L. T. 




Hedrick, T. A. 


Sullivan, C. C. 


*Cook, J. W. 




Inman, J. M. 


Tabor, S. B. 


Cantrell, W. C. 




Jones, B. D. 


Templeton, J. R. 


Coffey, Real 




Keith, Robert 


Turken, J. T. 


Chinn, J. F. 




Land, J. P. 


Tucker, J. B. 


Davis, G. P. 




Lacy, Tom 


*Trigg, Will 


Davis, Sam 




Minor, W. B. 


Withers, P. C. 


Estes, B. F. 




McCoy, F. M. 


Willis, Ed. B. 


Eg-an, W. F. 




McReynolds, F. 0. 


Williams, C. A. 


Green, W. P. 




*McMath, J. S. 


Whitehead, E. M. 


Goodwin, T. H. 




McCrealess, J. M. 


Wilkerson, J. B. 


Geers, C. W. 




*Nance, A. J. 


Watkins, J. C. 


Gary, J. M. 




Paschall, B. F. 


Collins, G. W. 


Hennon, G. W. 




Poling, E. T. 




Hayes, G. M. 




Porter, W. A. S. 


*Deceased 



Here and yonder you will find an old soldier still living in 
the county, too far away to attend Sul Ross Camp, but whose 
heart beats in unison with his former comrades in arms. These old 
soldiers stand erect and alone, like the mighty oak stripped of its 
branches by the tempests of time — once an emblem of power and 
of strength, but now of weakness and decay. With heads covered 
with the frost of many winters, living in the glory of the past 
when each fought and bled for what he considered right, each 
realizes that he must soon answer the last long roll call. Their 
comrades, like the autumn leaves, have fallen one by one, and 
have been laid to rest in many different cemeteries of the coun- 
try, beyond the reach and care of Sul Ross Camp No. 129 which 
annually visits the graves of all ex-Confederates and G. A. R.'s 
in Denton, leaving floral offerings on each resting place. We are 
glad to record the roll of their comrades who sleep in the ceme- 
teries of the City of Denton, as follows : 

L. Simmons, S. M. Simmons, J, M. Copley, Captain S. J. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 115 

Voodward, J. J. Mercer, Green Wilson, E. C. Smith, C. C. Daugh- 
rty, F. J. B. Neely, J. Butler, J. A. Brown, Jim Long, J. B. Bran- 
on, J. H. Mounts, J. J. May, Nathan Johnson, Uriah Spong, J. H, 
)egan, J. W. Gober, WilHam Terry, J. K. Holland, E. B. Peter, 
. D. Parks, W. H. Street, J. M. Fry, T. A. LeMay, J. L. Beaty, 
V. G. Evans, G. S. Harnett, J. W. Inge, A. E. Allen, J. H. Goode, 
]lder Sam McKelvy, B. F. Taylor, L. T. Fowlks, J. T. Jones, 
Colonel 0. G. Welch, W. C. Sledge, W. C. Clark, J. A. Kennin, 
. A. C. Sprouse, Bass, D. M. Russell, A. Griffith, J. J. Keesee, 
. W. Cunningham, R. W. Pitman, D. L. Hill, Thos. N. Skiles, 
V. C. Wright, J. P. Turner, Doctor H. Owsley, 0. C. George, B. E. 
rreenlee, I. P. Sublett, C. M. Eads, Doctor C. Lipscomb, W. H. 
'aylor, L. L. Stroud, H. H. Dawson, J. B. Kearby, Doctor D. M. 
>tewart, M. W. Deavenport, Doctor C. L. Herbert, J. R. Burton, 
Randolph Paine, R. A. Carruth, D. J. Carter, William Burris, 
1. C. Scruggs, R. H. Bates, Rev. R. J. Hoskins, W. J. Lacy, R. S. 
tOss, W. J. Grady, T. J. Porter, Hugh McKenzie, R. D. Gillespie, 
. D. Whayne, E. H. Egan, Roswell Chapman, Rev. Alsup, Captain 
. M. Roark, T. M. Jones, Colonel T. W. Abney, E. Biggerstaff, 
\ J. Conley, W. M. Davidson, H. H. Hoocker, J. M. Johnson, A. R. 
)urham, W. A. Edwards, J. W. Wilks, Colonel William Woods, 
'lardy, J. S. Chapman, J. Carson Parr, F. E. Piner, Judge J. A. 
)arroll, Thos. E. Hogg. 

These old soldiers meet every fourth Sunday evening and call 
he roll of Sul Ross Camp No. 129 and inquire regarding the 
velfare of the absent members. Many of them are now so feeble 
hat they are not able to look after themselves, but "Holy angels 
ire hovering round." 

Katie Daff an Chapter No. 932, United Daughters of the Con- 
ederacy, was organized in 1905 by Miss Katie Daffan, for whom 
he chapter was named. The Daughters of the Confederacy at 
)enton, with visions of duty to perform, received new light and 
nspiration, and came to the rescue of the tottering heroes of 
he Confederacy. The Chapter was formed with the following 
;harter members: Mrs. A. L. Banks, Mrs. Ada Poling, Mrs. 
I. F. Schweer, Mrs. T. E. Ponder, Mrs. L. H. Schweer, Mrs. 



116 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

Amelia Bates, Mrs. W. C. Edwards, Miss Lee Williams, Mis 
Lula Taylor, Miss Dorothy Williams. These ten good women ui 
furled the Confederate flag for a different purpose than that f( 
which it had been unfurled before — "Victory over defeat." Th 
Chapter adopted as its motto, "Superior to adversity, equal 1 
prosperity." 

And thus the battle of love and mercy began and continue 
Recruits came in until Katie Dalfan Chapter has thirty-s: 
members, acting as guardian angels to Sul Ross Camp No. 12 
Since its organization the Chapter has had the following pres 
dents : Mrs. A. L. Banks, Mrs. C. R. Gatewood, Mrs. W. L. For 
man, Mrs. W. E. Durbin, Mrs. Frank Finer, Mrs. C. C. Yanc 

The Chapter is now officeied as follows : Mrs. C. C. Yanc 
president; Mrs. A. C. Owsley, vice-president; Mrs. Trumj 
Stroud, secretary; Mrs. S. A. Bushey, treasurer; Mrs. T. ] 
Berry, historian; Mrs. Bishop Neely, registrar. Monument cor 
mittee: Mrs. C. R. Gatewood, chairman; Mrs. L. A. McDonal 
treasurer; Mrs. A. C. Owsley; Mrs. Leona Blewett; Mrs. Bisht 
Neely; W. C. Edwards, publicity secretary. Members: Mi 
A. L. Banks, Mrs. Eula Bates, Mrs. T. E. Berry, Mrs. Joe Blank 
Miss Annie Webb Blanton, Mrs. Leona Blewett, Mrs. H. F. BroA 
der. Miss Mattie Brown, Mrs. S. A. Bushey, Mrs. H. B. Cadde 
Mrs. J. H. Davidson, Mrs. W. E. Durbin, Mrs. Homer Edward 
Mrs. L. T. Fowlkes, Mrs. C. R. Gatewood, Mrs. Ella Hawkin 
Mrs. Will Hoffman, Mrs. Joe Johnson, Mrs. R. Ledbetter, Mr 
L. A. McDonald, Mrs. Bishop Neely, Mrs. A. C. Owsley, Mrs. J. 1 
Pa.''ks, Miss Minnie Paschall, Mrs. Frank Finer, Mrs. Virgie Mi 
Sailers, Mrs. E. H. Smith, Mrs. Truman Stroud, Mrs. Blancl 
Tidmore, Mrs. A. D. Turner, Miss Lee Williams, Mrs. Wrota 
Mrs. C. C. Yancy, Miss Elizabeth Zumwalt, Miss Mary Zumwa] 
Miss Susan Zumwalt. 

They have regular monthly meetings and are constant 
pressing the "battle of love and mercy" and scattering rays ( 
sunshine. They visit periodically Sul Ross Camp No. 129, see! 
ing an opportunity to do good for the Confederate soldie 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 117 

imoothing- down the gray locks and whispering words of cheer 
md consolation, which to them, in their declining days, are worth 
nore than the "gold of Ophir." They put flowers on the graves 
•f the fallen heroes, but deem it a greater privilege to serve and 
)ay tribute to the living. 

Holy angels in their flight, 

Acts of kindness their delight, 

Winged with mercy as they fly. 

Oh!. Don't you hear the angels coming. 

Singing as they come? 

Oh! Bear me, angels, bear me home. 

A more touching and pathetic scene can not be pictured than 
;he visitation of these daughters to the camp of the old way- 
vorn veterans, upon whose heads the gray locks shine like the 
^•lories of a setting sun, and these angels of mercy hovering 
•ound to dispel the approaching shades of twilight. 

These Daughters of the Confederacy are now engaged in 
)uilding on the courthouse square, at a cost of two thousand dol- 
ars, a monument to the memory of the Confederate soldiers who 
mlisted from Denton County. The contract has been let and the 
nonument is assured. The monument is to have a granite base 
and is to be finished with blue Georgia marble. This is a part 
Df their present activities — their crowning work, perhaps. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




MONUMENT TO DENTON COUNTY CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS 



Monument to be erected by the Katie DaflFan Chapter, United Daugh- 
ters of the Confedercy, to the memory of Confederate Soldiers who enlisted 
from Denton County. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 119 



MY PICTURES 



rhere's a gallery filled with pictures in a mansion all my own, 
Real as Rembrandt's masterpieces with their wondrous color-tone; 
riiere are dim, enchanting vistas with their canvases of old, 
With lazy cattle in the meadows, fertile fields of green and gold. 

rhere are landscapes glad with sunshine, just a shadow here and there. 
Like dimples on the cheek of laughter — subtle touches to the fair; 
rhere's a cottage on the hillside in a burst of childish joy, 
rhe mirth of winsome maiden and the sport of barefoot boy. 

rhere are harvests rich and golden as the reaper's work is done; 
rhere are mountains growing crimson beneath an autumn sun. 
With, the chestnut trees full-laden and the chestnuts turning brown, 
A.nd winter's icy bleakness with the snowflakes trembling down. 

rhere's a city mad with commerce and its voices of the night. 
By the ocean's heaving bosom of emerald flecked with white, 
With a home of sweet contentment and its fireside's cheerful glow, 
Filled with love that never faltered, my home of long ago. 

rhey're painted on living canvas, on living walls they're hung — 
Unheeded by the throngs in passing, their praises never sung — 
A.nd among these phantom pictures I stroll with measured tread, 
My footsteps ringing hollow in the halls that hold my dead. 

In these memory-haunted chambers I live and live alone — 
Outside the clouds are gathering where the sun once brightly shone; 
Though my feet are growing weary and my eyes are filled with tears, 
I'm ever looking at these pictures, the pictures of the years. 

Written at Denton, Sunday morning, October 15, 1916.~W. H. McNeil. 



CHAPTER VII 

Reconstruction and Crime Wave 

The suiiender at Appomattox Courthouse in the spring of 
1865 produced a catastrophe in the feelings of the Southern sol- 
dier. The news of the surrender came as a mighty shock to all 
alike. The delivery of arms and being paroled produced a feel- 
ing of joy and soi-row, blended in such a way as to be astonishing. 
Suddenly the roar and din of battle ceased and the grim and 
weary soldier stood at "attention," and in a gentle whisper heard 
the news, "Peace, peace, wonderful peace." Their feelings at 
that moment were a bewilderment. Home again arose in their 
memories and the song was sung and the long and wearisome 
journey was begun through the summer and fall of 1865. 

Denton County boys were coming in and rehabilitation of 
home and civil government began, Denton County was not over- 
run by Federal soldiers as other parts of the State. They elected 
officers and began to enforce the old laws in good faith, but were 
removed from office because they were not in full sympathy with 
the Federal government. But few self-respecting men could take 
the amnesty oath, which required them to swear that they had 
never aided or abetted the Southern Confederacy, nor sympa- 
thized with the same. Congress passed an act in February, 1866. 
declaring "the pretended State governments 'null and void,' as 
we were under the control of unrepentant leaders of the re- 
bellion." Our county officers were removed from office by order 
No. 195 of the military governor of Texas. This order was called 
by Major General Reynolds, commander, as "Extra Special." It 
was extraordinary in our history, and specially applied to us. 

We had officers appointed and a constitutional convention 
was to meet at Austin and an election ordered. S. A. Kealy of 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 121 

•enton County, and J. A. Thomas of Collin County were our 
3presentatives, but owing to the disfranchisement there were 
ut 56,678 white votes cast against 47,581 negro votes in the 
tate. Governor E. M. Pease, before the Convention, urged a 
irther disfranchisement in this language, "You will temporarily 
isfranchise a number of those who participated in the rebellion, 
afficient to place the political power of the State in the hands 
f those who are loyal to the United State government." The 
ew constitution was formed to suit them, but from some cause 
ley went home without signing or submitting it. The Governor 
Libmitted it on December 3, 1869. The Legislature was in ses- 
on and it was the most extravagant in the history of the State. 
much so that a tax-payers' convention was called to meet at 
Lustin September 22, 1871, in which Denton County was rep- 
isented by Hon. J. W. Throckmorton, the deposed governor. 
[e served on the committee to protest to the Legislature against 
le extravagance of the Legislature then in session, and the re- 
ort of. the committee was the most stinging rebuke to the 
legislature ever administered in Texas. Their extravagance 
ad almost bankrupted the State, but they had control and 
mtinued to rule. 

However, at the general election in 1874, Richard Coke 
^as elected governor, and a new Legislature was elected that 
'^as representative of the people. Denton County had elected 
3rmer County Judge S. A. Venters as their representative. He 
ad been identified with the county, officially, from its birth in 
846. E. J. Davis had barricaded and fortified the State House, 
nd defied the new officers. Judge Venters was notified by 
Lichard Coke to be on hand promptly as they were expecting 
rouble. The new officers met and were sworn in. George 
ilark, the new secretary of state, went and demanded the Govern- 
r's Mansion, in which ex-Governor E. J. Davis was barricaded, 
t was yielded the next day, after Davis had seen the city filled 
t^ith people from all over the State, ready to take it by force of 
rms. And thus ended the reconstruction which had been so 
xpensive and despotic as to become a "stench in the nostrils of 



122 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



the people." But the evil results of the legislation continue even 
now. 

The new regime had a task before them. A new con- 
stitutional convention was called to meet at Austin September 
6, 1875. Denton, Wise, and Collin Counties were represented 
in that body by Hon. S. A. McKinney of Denton and Hon. John 
Johnson, and Hon. T. J. Chambers of Collin County. They were 
elected on August 2, 1875. The convention adjourned November 
25 and the constitution was submitted for ratification on Febru- 
ary 18, 1876, and ratified by a vote of 136,606 for and 79,954 
against. This constitution with its amendments is what we have 
now. There were thirteen negro delegates in the convention and 
many "old farmers," so many that it was called by some "Tho 
Farmers' Convention." 

Denton County was most conspicuously and ably rep- 
resented in the person of Hon. John Johnson of Collin Counlx . 
nicknamed "Buckskin Johnson," because he had killed deer ami 
clothed his negroes with buckskin clothes during the war. Ilr 
had but few attainments. His language was not polished. Bui 
he was a man of good common sense, perfectly fearless, and <>! 
great tenacity. It was these qualities, as well as his nickname, 
that gave him his standing among the common people. He soon 
became the leader and spokesman of that element in the con- i 
vention and led the majority in most of their contests, and was ' 
known as the "we's," while the legal piofession was known as , 
the "I's." "Buckskin" had moved to make the salary of the I 
governor $4,000 per annum and no more. He had made a speech 
for retrenchment and refoi'm, which was very popular at this 
time on account of the extravagance of the reconstruction re- | 
gime. He had used the word "we" to the distress of his opponents 
and they selected the best attorney of their side to answer him 
and ridicule him out of the convention. His speech was terrific, 
but it had an end, and he had used the word "I" frequently. The 
Honorable "Buckskin Johnson," in his reply, was no less terrific, 
and in describing the extravagance of the "Fs" he referred them 
to the long trains to the dresses their ladies wore (which was the 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 123 

5tyle then) . "Your ladies waste more cloth in the trails of their 
Iresses than it takes to make our wives' dresses. They bend their 
backs over the wash-tub to make money to pay the taxes and 
support an idle brood. You say that the State of Texas will 
^o begging for a governor, and that no one will have the office 
if we fix the salary at $4,000? Rather than to see the State a 
widow and begging, I will sacrifice myself and run for governor." 
IWi'. Johnson stayed in the convention and fixed the governor's 
salary at $4,000 and no more, and the big "I," as he called him, 
■eturned home for a two-weeks' rest. The Hon. Richard Coke 
ivas elected governor for that salary and there was none greater 
than he. 

But they have been supplementing it in many ways since, 
naking it about $20,000 and some more. In the Legislature of 
L915 there was presented a bill for ice cream and chicken salad 
fui'nished the governor of Texas at one of his receptions at the 
Driscoll Hotel. A representative, Mr. W. C. Middleton from 
East Texas, objected and used an argument similar to that of 
'Buckskin" Johnson, giving his illustration, "A silk-hatted gen- 
tleman supported by a gold-headed cane, at a reception, the bill to 
oe paid by the farmers' wives dressed in calico, bending over the 
wash-tub to pay the taxes." The Legislature refused to go on 
record but ordered the bill paid by a viva voce vote, and Mr. 
Middleton secured an injunction against its payment, and was 
sustained by the State Supreme Court. 

Many good things were provided for in the convention, but 
we. have had many amendments proposed, and some few have 
been adopted. We have lived under it forty years and the people 
3f Denton County are not calling for a new constitution. Re- 
construction in its true meaning began with this constitution in 
Denton County. A period of fifteen years from 1861 had elapsed, 
a period in which the civil law had been superseded by the mili- 
tary, a period in which property rights had almost been destroy- 
ed, when many people did not believe it wrong to go on the range 
and to mark and brand "mavericks" which they well knew were 
not their own; to take horses, commonly known as "stray stock;" 



121 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

to take timber off of "old surveys;" to kill unmarked cattle for 
the "hide and tallow;" to butcher "wild hogs" for meat; to rob 
a train, or a bank. 

Of course, all of these things were known to be wrong 
before the war and by the old men after the war, but a new 
generation of men had grown up out of the boys of 1861. Their 
minds had been filled with false ideas as to property rights, and 
we had a "crime wave" to pass over Denton County. It began 
by boys taking stray horses and selling them, then driving them 
off by the bunch, then to taking horses that were not strays. 
And directly we had a horse-thief's association formed by many 
members, reaching from Hill County north to the Indian Nation, 
through Denton and Grayson Counties, with members all along 
the line; some to bond and some to secrete, but all participated 
in the spoils. The perfection of this organization made it im- 
possible for the law to protect the people. But the people formed 
themselves into a secret law and order league, securing the list 
of membership of the horse-thief's association; one by one they 
were watched and caught and sent to the penitentiary. We had 
similai- experience as to cattle. They were stolen by the herd 
down to one at a time. They were killed for their hides and 
the meat burned so as to destroy their identity. This gradually 
played out when the theft of a $5.00 yearling secured a man a 
five years' berth in the penitentiary. Scores of men were held 
up on the highway and robbed of their money ; stores and banks 
were robbed, and several men lost their lives in defense of their 
property. These offenses w^ere the reaping of a harvest that 
had its seed time during the war. 

I shall now i-ecoi'd at length our most noted cases. Mr. 
Henry Hill of Little Elm, went to Dallas to get some money to 
pay off some laborers at his gin, and was returning horseback 
just after noon near Barksdale Creek, when he was attacked by 
two men. He ran to Mr. Morgan's house, and as he dismounted 
and ran through the gate towards the house he was shot through 
the thigh, a silver dollar in his pocket turned the ball, causing 
only a flesh wound. They chased his horse off about a mile and 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 125 



killed it, thinking he had the money in his saddle pocket, but 
they failed to find it. He had about $500 in his overcoat pocket 
which he dropped at the gate as he ran through, and it was saved. 
Mr. Sam Runnels of Little Elm had sold some beef steers, 
receiving $1,300 in currency, nearly all in $100 bills. He did his 
banking business then in Dallas, thirty-five miles away. He 
slipped the hioney down in his boot leg and thought no one knew 
of it. He went over to his pasture in the forks of Elm to attend 
to his cattle. On returning just at dusk, two men held him up. 
They went at once to his boots and got the money. Many other 
men were robbed of money in Denton County in amounts from 
$100 to $1,400. The latter amount was taken from Mr. Lewellin 
Murphy, afterwards county surveyor. 

Sam Bass and His Gang 
In 1870 Sam Bass, a young man about 19 years old, who had 
been reared by a stepmother, came from Indiana to Denton and 
stopped with W. F. (Dad) Egan, where he made his home for 
several years. He was a hard-working boy, honest in all his 
dealings with Mr. Egan and the people of Denton, and was liked 
by all who knew him. He became associated with some sporting 
men of the town and was soon absorbed in the race track and 
horse racing, becoming a sporting character himself. He bought 
a race mare and entered that line of business. There was not 
much money in circulation at that time and he bet for ponies, 
soon accumulating quite a bunch. He and two elder sporting 
associates went over Red River to race horses and to "clean up" 
the Indians (Choctaws and Cherokees). But the Indians instead 
"cleaned" them up, all but the race mare and two ponies that they 
worked to the wagon. They came back to Red River and camped. 
That night they slipped back and stole the herd of ponies with 
some of the Indian ponies, crossing them over the river. The band 
of Indians trailed them up, taking the ponies in charge. Sam Bass 
on his race mare made his escape. The two elderly associates 
pled for their lives, and by giving the Odd Fellows' distress sign, 
which was recognized by an Indian Odd Fellow, they were spared. 



12G HISTOKY OF DENTON COUNTY 

Sam Bass went on to San Antonio and sold his race mare, 
hiring to Joe ColHns of DaUas County to drive his provision 
wag-on through to Black Hills, Colorado. Collins was driving 
through a herd of 700 beef cattle. After they had disposed of the 
stock, Collins settled with his hands and discharged them. But 
five of the bunch, including Collins, planned and robbed the east- 
bound Union Pacific train. Train robbing was scarcely thought 
of at that time and the company was not prepared. The gang 
made a rich haul, securing about $19,000 each on division of the 
spoils. They all separated and started back to Texas. They had 
$10,000 each in gold, which was weighty. They also had plenty 
of silver but could not bring it away on account of its weight. 
Collins put his gold in a pair of saddle bags and started horse- 
back down through the country. He was suspected on account 
of his jaded horse, and when accosted regarding the matter, 
broke to run. In the fight which followed he was killed and the 
money in his possession was secured. This gave a key to the 
situation as Collins had disbanded his "cowboys" at this place. 
Theii' names and places of residence were secured and pursuit 
was begun. 

Sam Bass and one of his pals (both the looks of poverty it- 
self) bought an old, dilapidated buggy with tires tied on with 
rawhide. They also bought an old gray mare, and put their 
money, about $38,000, under the buggy seat for safe keeping. 
They hit the old Chisum cattle trail for Texas. 

There were watering holes along down the trail, where 
the people camped at nights, and it was a common thing for quite 
a crowd to be on hand at these watering holes. So at night 
Sam and his partner lariated the old gray mare on the grass and 
camped at one of these holes. Several other outfits also camped 
at the same place, including a squad of men pursuing the robbers. 
They all sat up late around the camp-fire discussing the robbery, 
finally going to sleep. The next morning the squad of officers hit 
the trail early for Texas. Sam and his partner took their time 
but came strolling along down the trail to Denton County. 

They did not come on to town, but stopped at "Cove Hollow," 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 127 

on Clear Creek, a splendid place to hide. Sam's old partner 
refused to stay here, where he was known, so he took his money 
and moved on towards Louisiana. Sam Bass, however, was over- 
persuaded by some of his erstwhile friends to stay. He gathered 
a bunch of from six to eight, and they slipped down to Fort 
Worth, where they dressed up in first-class "cowboy" style, 
armed themselves with Winchester rifles and Colt's improved 
navy sixes and mounted the best and fleetest horses the county 
could afford. Sam got as his mount a chestnut-sorrel race mare, 
the fleetest of all. That meant defiance to all comers alike. 

The Northern press was full of the daring robbery of the 
Union Pacific by the "Bass gang" and of the rich haul they made, 
stating that he was from Denton, Texas. Large rewards were 
offered for any of the "Bass gang," dead or alive. Denton Coun- 
ty was soon filled with detectives, public and private, and armed 
squads of men from State Rangers covered the county at differ- 
ent times. "The Bass gang" knew every by-path, thicket and 
natural fortification in the county and in this way, operating on 
the defensive, had much the advantage in the contest going on. 
They had "Cove Hollow," west of Bolivar on Clear Creek, a 
thicket unapproachable except by a small entrance. They had 
"Horse-Shoe Bend" on. Big Elm, about two miles northeast of 
Garza, a bend in the river surrounded by a deep hole of water and 
including about four acres of land covered with heavy timber 
and thick undergrowth, approachable only by ordinary travel at 
the cut-off covering about two hundred feet. They had many 
other similar places of rendezvous which afforded them shelter 
and protection. 

The Bass gang had some sympathizers who aided them 
as long as their money lasted. The sheriff, W. F. Egan, summon- 
ed squad after squad of our citizens to arrest the gang, but all 
efforts failed. They had two long-ranged, running fights, but 
no one was hit. The posse slipped into a thicket on their camp 
down on Hickory Creek bottom about four miles south of Denton, 
and captured three of their horses and saddles, but the men 
escaped down the creek afoot. The horses were placed in the 



128 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

livery stable in Denton but a few mornings after, the bandits 
appeared at the stable just at daybreak and secured their mounts 
and made a dash for Clear Creek north of town. 

Captain June Peake with seventy-five State Rangers came 
to Denton after them. Sheriff Egan officially notified the captain 
that they were then four miles south of Denton in Hickory 
Creek bottom. But the captain paraded his men around the 
public square at Denton and departed without the gang. Every- 
body who entered into the game of catching them seemed to 
realize that a lot of men would lose their lives in the effort. 

There were three more train robberies, one at Eagle Ford, 
the first station west of Dallas, one at Mesquite, the first station 
east of Dallas, and one at Allen Station, the third station north 
of Dallas. These were all credited to Sam Bass, but it might 
have been a gang operating out of Dallas, as some Dallas men 
secured a term in the penitentiary. The detectives filed com- 
plaints against a number of the citizens of Denton County in the 
Federal Court at Tyler, Texas. The United States Marshal and 
his deputies arrested them and put them in jail at Tyler. This was 
a great source of annoyance to many of our citizens who had to 
attend court at Tyler as witnesses some two or three weeks and 
it took much time and expense. It had a tendency to keep good 
men from lepoiting on the Bass gang, as they would be carried 
to Tyler as witnesses. 

One man they had in jail, broke out and returned home and 
joined the Bass gang. He had been very intimate with them 
before, and they received him. It was growing so hot for the 
gang in Denton County they thought best to leave, so they went 
down to San Antonio. They were followed by Sheriff Egan of 
Denton County and Deputy Tom Gerren, Sheriff Everhart of 
Grayson County, and Capt. Lee Hall, ex-sheriff" of Grayson and 
the famous captain of State Rangers, and quite a number of 
others. The State Rangers were hovering round and this new 
addition to the Bass gang was writing letters and keeping the 
rangers posted as to the gang's movements and intentions. 

Finally, Sam Bass' money gave out and the gang planned 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 129 



to rob the Round Rock bank at about 3 p. m. on a given day, and 
to make their escape to the rough bluff of the San Gabriel river. 
The State Rangers were given the particulars, and they secreted 
themselves in houses surrounding the bank, the bank being noti- 
fied, and everything was as quiet and unsuspicious as in the 
ordinary run of business. The gang came on time. They stepped 
into a saloon to "tank up" a little for the fray they were soon to 
pull off in broad daylight. A young man by the name of Grimes, 
the constable of the town, had not been notified by the State 
Rangers as to what was to happen that day. So Constable 
Grimes saw the bandits dismount in front of the saloon. He 
v/ent to the saloon door and looked in and said, "Gentlemen, I 
believe you are armed." They drew their pistols and killed 
Grimes, and the fight was prematurely pulled off at the saloon 
instead of the bank. The rangers rushed into the street and 
opened a deadly .fire on the gang. One was killed on the street. 
Sam Bass was mortally wounded and got two miles from town 
(Round Rock in Williamson County) where he turned his race 
rnare over to one of hi^ trusted comrades and told him to get 
away, as he (Bass) was sure to die. He was carried back to town 
and died the next day. But his comrade made good his escape. 
The comrade who had betrayed them was known and untouched. 
He returned to Denton County where he died about eighteen 
months later. 

This closing scene of the Bass gang took place in Round 
Rock, Williamson County, Texas, on Friday, July 20, 1877. Thus^ 
ended the career of a misguided youth who held wrong views re- 
garding property rights. Slaves had been considered property by 
the South and had been "freed by might and not by reason of 
right." This sentiment was adopted by Sam Bass and his gang, 
but they did not have the might to enforce it. Many men become 
criminals on account of their misguided judgment as to property 
rights. 



130 history of denton county 

Sketch of the Early History of Sam Bass — 
His Life and Death 

To Miss Sallie Bass The Monitor is indebted for the following 
history of her brave, daring, although misguided, brother, Sam 
Bass, who was killed at Round Rock, Texas, not long since. 

Sam Bass was born July 21, 1851, in Lawrence County, 
Indiana, two miles north of Mitchell, on a farm. 

Sam Bass lost his mother at the age of ten and his father 
at fourteen. Up to that age and for two or three years later, his 
character was spotless, but mixing in bad company, and the in- 
dulgence in the vain glory of the world, gradually led him into 
paths of sin, and gave him a rambling disposition, which in the 
fall of 1869 caused him to leave his friends and home, and to 
seek his fortune in a land among strangers. He left home on the 
O. & M. Railroad for St. Louis. By steamboat he reached Rose- 
dale, Miss., where he worked at Charles' Mill nearly one year, 
where he became an expert in card playing, dissipation, and I'e- 
volver shooting. From thence he made his way to Texas. 

Bass in Texas 
Arriving in Denton County, Texas, in the latter part of the 
year 1870 he found employment with Col. Egan as a herdsman, 
Egan was soon after elected sheriff of the county, Bass be- 
coming one of his deputies, of whom it is said none were ever 
more faithful. But he got to fooling with race horses, and 
associating with Henry Underwood, a notorious character, 
who was the main cause of his ruin. Having gained a passion for 
cards, horse races, and revelry, and cultivating the acquaintance 
and friendship of the most abandoned and desperate men and 
women, he quit his employer at the end of four years, and is 
supposed to have formed a band of bandits, composed of des- 
perate robbers and murderers, of which he was the acknowledged 
head up to the time of his death. He directed the movements 
of the band and effected many escapes from the law, extending 
operations at one time beyond the Rid Grande. Returning from 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 131 

operations near the Mexican border, Bass attached himself to 
drovers on the trail to Kansas, and familiarized himself with 
that section adjacent to and along the line of the cattle drive 
extending from Denton to the Black Hills. 

His First Great Robbery 
was from the Union Pacific train at Big Springs, Nebraska, 
September 19, 1877. And he was assisted by John Collins, Tom 
Nixon, Hoatling, Jack Davis and another whose name is not 
recollected. By this raid $60,000 in gold, all of it in $20.00 
pieces of California mintage, were secured. Collins and Hoatling 
were sooon after killed by a sheriff's posse in Kansas and $10,000 
recovered. Davis was soon after killed in Mexico, Mo., and 
$10,000 more fell into the hands of the officers and detectives. 
Though closely followed, Bass and Nixon escaped, reaching 
Fort Worth, and there separated. Bass returned to Denton 
County and soon after, in company with Henry Underwood, 
went to San Antonio, to which place they were followed by one 
of Pinkerton's detectives and Tom Gerren, deputy sheriff of 
Denton County, a warm personal friend of Sam Bass, and who 
was accused of sending word to Bass of the coming of the offi- 
cers, thus enabling him to make his escape. From San Antonio, 
Bass returned to Denton County where he continued to reside, 
though rewards aggregating $3,000 were offered for his arrest, 
until after the 

Robberies of the Trains 
that occured at Allen's Station, February 22, Eagle Ford, March 
18, and Mesquite, April 20 (1877). The total amount of these 
robberies was said to amount to $3,100. This is another proof 
that ill-gotten gains are unprofitable. It is stated on good 
authority that he got his last $20 gold piece from the $20,000 he 
secured in the Union Pacific Express robbery of 1877 changed at 
a saloon on his way to Round Rock to rob the bank there. 

On This Fatal Day 
one of his men was instantly killed and Bass was wounded, 
from the effects of which he died on Sunday, July 21, 1877. 



132 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



His Identity 
He acknowledged to his captors that he was Sam Bass, had 
two brothers and four sisters at this place (Mitchell, Indiana.) 
He was out of money and gave his gun to one of the officers. 
He was twenty-five years old, five feet and eight inches high, 
weighed 140 pounds, a little stoop-shouldered, quick in his 
movements, and would be taken for a good-looking man any- 
where. Thus ended the career of a noted desperado, who for 
the last few years, has led a life of shame unparalleled. His 
noble relatives have our heartfelt sympathies in this sad be- 
reavement, and we trust that the country at large will take 
warning against evil associations. Take honesty for their guide, 
with a conscience void of offense towards God and man. 

— Denton Monitor, August 7, 1878. 



CHAPTER VIII 



Denton County Officers 

The officers of Denton County and of the territory out of 
which the county was formed was a matter of small concern to 
the early settlers. The settlers were usually a law unto them- 
selves. Because of their small numbers, their few misunder- 
standings were settled by arbitration. There was rarely the 
need of an officer. The officers were, as a rule, unknown to the 
settlers, with the exception of the almost ubiquitous tax collector, 
who insisted upon acquaintanceship with the people, and incident- 
ally collected revenue. 

In the days of the Republic this territory was a part of 
Fannin County, which was then about one hundred miles square, 
and the county seat was Bonham, seventy-five miles away. The 
Republic of Texas became the State of Texas in 1845. In 1846, 
Denton County was carved out of Fannin County. Few legisla- 
tive dignitaries visited the sparsely settled districts at that time, 
with the exception of the district judge, who was required to 
hold two terms of court at Pinkneyville each year. The first 
district court held at Pinkneyville was in 1847. Judge John T. 
Mills, who lived at Clarksville, came on horseback. Under a 
large post oak tree, about one mile southeast of Denton, Judge 
Mills presided over this early court. His sheriff-elect, William 
Garvin, for some reason failed to appear. Perry Harmonson 
was appointed sheriff. 

Because of small salaries and fees, offices were not as eager- 
ly sought in the early days as they are at the present time. 
Usually the office sought the man, and under the old two-thirds 
rule of the convention plan for higher offices, we secured a high 
order of talent. The chief "reward" of the office-holder was 
the honor of his preferment by the people. The Hon. Richard 
Coke and other great constitutional lawyers served the State as 
governor at the rate of "$4,000 per annum and no more." 

We give herewith in tabular form the officers of Denton 
County for the period indicated below : 



134 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



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140 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Years 


County Treasurer 


District Surveyor 


1846 




William Twitty 


1848 




William Twitty 


1850 




William Twitty 


1852 


H. Murphy 


Arch White 


1854 


H. Murphy 


C. C. Lacy 


1856 


H. iVIuiphy 


C. C. Lacy 


1858 


J. W. Simmons 


S. P. Beebee 


1860 


J. M. Blount 


S. P. Beebee 


1862 


H. Mui-phy 


C. C. Lacy 


1864 


Gibson Myers 


C. C. Lacy 


1865 


*J. L. Lovejoy 


C. C. Lacy 


1866 


Hugrh McKenzie 


C. C. Lacy 


1867 




*Lewellen Murphy 


1869 


*John Haynes 


*William Furnaux 


1872 


G. A. Grissom 




1876 


John McMurray 


Lewellen Murphy 


1878 


John McMurray 


Lewellen Murphy 


1880 


John McMurray 


E. Biggerstaff 


1882 


John McMunay 


E. Biggerstaff 


1884 


J. M. Johnson 


E. Biggerstaff 


1886 


John McMurray 


W. H. Pierce 


1888 


John McMuiray 


W. H. Pierce 


1890 


J. M. Eads 


E. Biggerstaff 


1892 


J. M. Eads 


E. Biggerstaff 


1894 


W. T. Bailey 


E. Biggerstaff 


1896 


W. T. Bailey 


E. Biggerstaff 


1898 


W. T. Bailev 


E. Biggerstaff 


1900 


R. G. Wright 


E. Biggerstaff 


1902 


W. J. Slayton 


E. Biggerstaff 


1904 


VV. J. Slavton 


E. Biggerstaff 


1906 


W. J. Slayton 


W. C. Pierce 


1908 


D. M. Reeve 


W. C. Pierce 


1910 


D. M. Reeve 


W. C. Pierce 


1912 


J. \V. Nelson 


W. C. Pierce (rsg.) 
John Bacon (appt.) 


191 1 


J. W. Nelson 


John Bacon 


1916 


Birtle Beaty 


John Bacon 


•RECONSTRUCTION APPOINTEES 





HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 141 

The Ninth Judicial District was composed of Denton, Dallas, 
Grayson, Collin, Kaufman, Henderson, Anderson, Houston, and 
Van Zandt counties and was organized in 1846. 

The Sixteenth Judicial District was composed of Collin, 
Denton, Cooke, Grayson, Wise, Parker, Tarrant, Johnson, Ellis, 
and Dallas Counties and was organized in 1856. 

The Twentieth Judicial District was organized January 20, 
1860 with Collin, Denton, Wise, Jack, Young, Throckmorton, 
^rcher. Clay, Montague, Cooke, and Grayson counties. 

The Twentieth Judicial District was reduced in size October 
ll, 1866, to Fannin, Hunt, Collin, Grayson, Cooke, Wise, Jack, 
Montague, Clay, Young, and Denton counties. 

The Sixteenth Judicial District was reduced in 1876 to Den- 
ton, Cooke, Wise, and Montague counties, but Wise County was 
segregated by the Legislature in an act approved March 13, 1889. 

The Fourth Senatorial District was created February 22, 
1853, and was composed of Collin, Denton, Grayson, Kaufman, 
and Cooke counties. Collin to make returns. 

The Twenty-first Senatorial District was created February 
6, 1860 with Denton, Cooke, Wise, Montague, Jack, Young, Clay, 
Wichita, Archer, Wilbarger, Baylor, Throckmorton, Hardeman, 
Knox, Haskell, Buchanan, Shackleford, and Jones Counties. Wise 
County to make returns. 

From 1869 to 1890 Denton County was in the Denton-Collin 
County District and from 1890 to 1916 the District was com- 
posed of Denton, Wise, and Montague Counties. S. P. Allison, 
C. P. Lair, John Johnson and H. A. Finch were from Collin; C. 
V. Terrell and J. P. Hayter from Wise County; George W. Sav- 
age and J. B. Riley from Montague County; Malachi W. Allen, 
Cam Warren, J. M. Blount, F. E. Piner, William Allen, E. C. 
Smith, and George M. Hopkins were from Denton County. 

The Seventh Representative District was organized Febru- 
ary 7, 1853, composed of Denton, Collin, and Cooke counties. On 
February 6, 1858 each organized county was made a representa- 
tive district, and Denton County since that time has maintained 
a separate identity. 



142 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



On January 26, 1858 each county was made a surveyor 
district. William H. Cochrane was from Dallas County; J. W 
Throckmorton fioni Collin County, and W. A. Elliott from Cool 
County. 

Denton County has been in several notorial representatixt 
districts. J. L. Doggett and G. S. Huling were from Collin 
County; G. B. Pickett and Charles Soward were from \\\> 
County; M. A. Stamper and W. H. O'Brien from Cooke Count \ 
J. F. Thomas, Less Hudson, A. W. Walker, Sam J. Hunter, and 
I. T. Valentine from Tarrant County; A. C. Owsley, J. B. Doyk*. 
and F. F. Hill from Denton County. Tarrant County has ceased 
to rotate and by virtue of numbers has been assigned a flotorial 
representative exclusively, and the other counties of the district 
have no flotorial representation. 

The Secession Convention met at Austin January 28, 1861. 
Denton County was represented by J. W, Throckmorton. Tlr 
articles of secession wei'e passed February 2, and signed by 
one hundred and sixty-five delegates. Our delegate and six 
others voted against secession, but all went with the South and 
performed conspicuous service in the Confederacy. 

The territory composing Denton County in the State of 
Texas has been under six different Hags — those of Spain, France, 
Mexico, the Republic of Texas, Confederate States, and the 
United States. 

In the years 1839, '10 and '41 the president of the Republic 
of Texas had in Denton County Mark R. Roberts, Daniel R. Jack- 
son,, and Joseph Sowell, captains of three companies of rangei s 
organized for the pi-otection of Fannin County against the In- 
dians. These companies were paid off and disbanded by an act 
of the Sixth Congress. 

These men were the real pioneers who marked off the terri- 
tory with the langer ti'ails and the Indian trails. You could 
not tell one from the other. One trail crossed Big Elm at the 
present bridge on the McKinney road and went up the sand hill, 
just east of the bottom. In making the road up the hill an 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 143 

idian graveyard was discovered, indicating the site of an early- 
ay Indian villiage. The bones are there now. 

The First Political Nominations for County 

Office in Denton County and the 

Causes Leading Up to Them 

From the organization of Denton County in 1846 up to 
eptember, 1888, a period of forty-two years, we never had any 
olitical divisions as to county affairs. Not even representatives 
:om the county to the Legislature were nominated. We had 
recinct conventions and county conventions, and sent delegates 
) Congressional and State Conventions, and participated in 
ongressional, State, and National politics, but the county offi- 
jrs were left to a free, open race, every candidate standing on 
is merits before the whole people. 

The Democracy was overwhelmingly in the ascendency in 
le county and it was thought best to have free, open races for 
)unty officers. Some Republicans were elected to county of- 
36. But the spirit of unrest came over the people in the State. 

The Farmers' Alliance was conceded to be a powerful factor 
; that time in State politics. Evan Jones was the president, 
n effort was made to unify them and the Knights of Labor in 
1 opposition ticket to Democracy. Politics could not be dis- 
issed in an alliance, but they organized political clubs at each 
liance and at the close of an alliance meeting they would open 
leir clubs for political purposes. 

Clubs were organized at every schoolhouse in the county 
' Denton, and the opposition ticket was rapidly taking shape, 
tie State organization was perfected as shown by the following 
[tracts from the Fort Worth Gazette: 

"Dallas, Texas, August 24, 1888. 

"The joint meeting of the Union Labor and Non-Partisan 
Dmmittee took place today in the third, story of the building on 
le corner of Elm and Austin Streets. The object of the meet- 
g was to consolidate upon an anti-Democratic ticket. Con- 
ary to expectations the meeting was full, that is, every mem- 



Ml HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



ber of both tht- Xuii-Pai'tisan and Union Labor committees wa 
present. The Non-Partisan Committee consists of one delegat 
from each senatorial district. The Union Labor Committee coi 
sists of one delegate from each congressional district. 

"The following are the Non-Partisans according to the) 
districts : First district, Doctor P. Jordan ; second district, J. A' 
Langley; third district, George T. Wesson; fourth district, P 
Davis; fifth district, A. P. Yates; sixth district, J. H. Morrow 
seventh district. Tom Paschall ; eight district, E. J. Smith; nint 
district. A. N. Trumbull; tenth district. William Ludgat. 
eleventh district. J. B. Gay; twelfth district, W. 0. Chriesmar 
thirteenth district. A. J. Caruthers; fourteenth district. J. A 
Alexander; fifteenth district, R. T. Keniday; sixteenth distric 
S. J. Harris; seventeenth district, C. A. McMeans (of Den to 
County) ; eighteenth district. J. W. Stewart; nineteenth distric 
W. R. Lamb; twentieth district, T. D. Jones; twenty-first di. 
trict. James Harington ; twenty-second dictrict, J. V. Wright 
twenty-third district. J. L Morehead; twenty-fourth distric 
J. N. McFadden; twenty-fifth district. Y. E. Woiiey; twent\ 
sixth district. R. H. Wyman ; twenty-seventh disti'ict. Sam Johi 
son; twenty-eighth district, J. B. B. Badger; twenty-ninth di 
trict. W. Karnes; thirtieth district. D. M. Rumph ; thirty-first di 
trict, A. G. Murphy. 

"The following were the Union Laborites, one from eac 
congressional district: First district, W, B. Crawford, secon 
district, J. C. Shelton; third district. J. W. Paidue; fourth di 
trict. N. J. Murphy; fifth district. W. R. Lamb; sixth distric 
J. T. Lowe; seventh district, H. V. Lang; eighth district, C. 1 
Walters; ninth district. J. M. Alexander; tenth district. Luith 
cum ; eleventh district, D. Jones. 

"The meeting was presided over by J. E. Martin and tl 
secretary was H. C. Whitehead of Fort Worth. The gener 
status of the situation was discussed and Doctor H. S. Broil* 
was withdrawn as a candidate for lieutenant-governor. Marie 
Martin of Navarro County was then nominated for governor ii 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 145 

stead of Evan Jones, and W. A. Moores of Harris County was 
placed in the shoes vacated by Doctor Broiles." 

The organization over the State was perfected. Previous 
to this time, on May 12, 1888, a convention of men held in Den- 
ton calling- themselves "The Farmers, Laborers, and Stock- 
Raisers of Denton County," had adopted a platform with twenty 
planks in it, fully setting forth their political views. 

The Democratic Convention met at the city of Denton the 
latter part of August, passed resolutions and appointed delegates 
to the State and Congressional Conventions. They instructed 
the chairman, Dr. J. P. Blount, to call the county executive 
committee together if the Non-Partisans put a ticket in the 
field for county officers. The Non-Partisans had met previously 
(on June 23), and had thoroughly organized their forces, with 
r. Y. Seale, chairman, and J. M. Roark, secretary. On August 7, 
L888, they issued an address to the Non-Partisan voters of Den- 
ton County and closed it by calling a convention to meet in 
Denton on September 8, 1888 to nominate candidates for the 
Legislature and for all county offices, to send delegates to the 
^Congressional Convention, should one be held, and to perform 
5uch other duties as the Convention might deem proper. They 
"net and endorsed a ticket for county officers. 

The Democratic Executive Committee met and called a 
convention to meet at the court house in Denton. They nomi- 
lated a ticket for county officers. A brief speaking campaign 
A^as conducted over the county by the partisans and at the elec- 
;ion in November the Democrats polled on an average about 
J589 votes, and the Non-Partisans polled about 1077 votes. We 
lave had political nominations for county offices ever since. 
Prohibition or Local Option 

This issue has been one upon which the people of Denton 
bounty have often divided and the only real county issue before 
)ur people. It is not proper to discuss the merits or demerits 
)f the subject here, but a brief recital of the history of the issue 
n Denton County is not improper. 

Prior to the war of 1861 to '65 the subject was not in poli- 



14G HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



tics. Whiskey was sold in many business houses and we hiid 
but few exclusive whiskey houses. When reconstruction came 
the new idea called "statutory prohibition" was introduced under 
the Reconstruction Constitution into Denton County. It \\ 
considered a Republican measure copied from Maine and forcc^ 
on Texas as a reconstruction measure. It therefore was very 
unpopular. 

The called session of the Fourteenth Legislature on January 
21, 1875 passed an act prohibiting the sale of intoxicating or 
spirituous liquors within two miles of the town of Lewis ville, 
Denton County, Texas, and on February 8, 1875 the same Legis- 
lature passed a law prohibiting persons, with or without licenses, 
to sell, barter, or give away, or in any manner dispose of any 
sirituous, \inous, or other intoxicating liquors within a radius 
of five miles of Pilot Point, in Denton County, Texas, and fixing 
penalties for a violation of the same. The laws were very un- 
popular and were not rigidly enforced. 

The Constitution of Texas adopted February 11. 1876 what 
was called a Democratic way of controlling the liquor traffic '" 
the State of Texas, i. e., local option laws passed by the Leg 
lature but voted "on" or "off" by the people at their option, ui' 
petition and election, in any county or subdivision thereof. W ». 
have had several contests in the county. 

The first for local option in the county was at a special 
election held January 27, 1877 which resulted as follows: 

Against prohibition, 716 votes; for prohibition, 583 vote 
majority against prohibition, 133; total votes, 1,299. 

The next election was held on June 13, 1885, which resulted 
as follows: 

For prohibition, 1,516 votes; against prohibition, 1,346 
vates; majority for prohibition, 170; total votes, 2,862. The 
laws were passed, but were not well enforced. 

The next election was held December 10, 1887 and resulted 
as follows: 

Against prohibition, 1.:j54 votes; for prohibition, 496 votes; 
majority against prohibition, 858 votes; total votes, 1,850. The 



HISTORY OF DEXTOX COrXTY 147 

ntis had increased S rotes, but the pros had lost 1,020 votes, or 
lany had failed to vote. 

The next election was held September 6, 1902 and resulted 
s lollows : 

For prohibition, 2,747 votes; against prohibition. 2.630 
otes; majority for prohibition, 117 Totes; total votes. 5.377. 

On August 4. 1887 we had a contest for statewide prohibi- 
ion which resulted as follows: 

Against statewide prohibition. 2.354 votes: for statewide 
rohibition, 1.3:39 votes ; majority against statewide prohibition. 
.015 votes: total votes. 3,693. The State went against state- 
ride prohibition. 

The last statewide election was held July 23, 1911, resulting 
^ f oUows : 

I For statewide prohibition. 2.576 votes: against statewide 
►rohibition, 1,775 votes: majority for statewide pi-ohibition. 
01 votes ; total votes 4,341. The State went against statewide 
►rohibition. 

The number of votes cast at each election in Denton County 
ras as follows: Januaiy 27, 1877 (county). 1.299 votes: June 
3, 1885 (county). 2,862 votes: August 4, 1887 (statewide). 
,69:3 votes; December 10. 1887 (coxmty). 1.850 votes: September 
i, 1902 (county). 5.377 votes: July 23. 1911 (statewide). 4.341 
otes. 

There HA^-E Been Three Legal ExEcmoxs for 

MlTlDER IN DEXTOX COUXTY 

These thi-ee cases were ti-ansierred into Denton County: 
wo from :Montague County. Andi'ew Brown and George Bl■o^^•n. 
r.. and one from Cooke County. J. Q. A. Crews. 

Just after the close of the wai-. in 1S73 to 1S75. there was 
I secret organization formed in Montague County called the 
'Law and Order League." Doubtless no intention to drift into 
•rime was entertained at the beginning, but like most secret 
)rders of this kind it soon drifted into crime and a series of 
nvsterious murders occurred in the county and no one had been 



148 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



able to account lor them. The Krebbs family were murdeicd 
one night while old man Krebbs was holding family pra\ 
Doc McClain was killed, Robert Morrow and wife, Elizali 
Morrow, and Freeman Bediilar were killed on different dai , 
Several other mysterious murders occurred. 

Finally George Brown, Jr., and others were indicted 
killing- Doc McClain, and Andrew Brown for the murder of Iloln ii 
Morrow. Several other defendants were indicted. The i)eo|)l€ 
of Montague County were so wrought up that a change of venue 
to Denton County was obtained. 

On March 9, 1878 in the district court of Denton Coui'^ 
George Brown, Jr. was tried before the following jury: Z. 
Harmonson, Ed Munday, G. B. Cleveland, S. T. Coleman, J. li 
Young, VV. C. Charlesworth, A. T. Cord, R. A. Goodnight, W. F 
Bradford, J. D. Cayle, J. W. Cunningham, D. A. Welbourn. 11( 
was convicted and his punishment was assessed at death. 

On March 11. 1878 Andrew Brown was put on trial for tin 
murder of Robert Morrow. He was tried before the followins 
jury: Sol Carpenter, W. D. Cloyd, S. G. Sconce, W. L. Mattht 
W. H. Pinkley, William Burris, G. W. Parker, J. I. G. Cowaii 
E. B. Harry, M. Willis, E. Boone, J. M. Johnson. The jury alsc 
assessed the death penalty in this case. 

Appeal were taken in both cases, but the judgments of th( 
lower courts (presided over by Judge J. A. Carroll) were '" 
firmed, and on November 21 these men men were executed 
shown by the sheriff's report on the writ, to-wit: 

"Come to hand on the 19th day of November, A. D. 1879 
and executed on the 21st day of November. A. D. 1879, betweei 
11 o'clock a. m. and sundown on the said last day mentioned, bj 
hanging each and both of the within named defendants, Georgj 
and Andrew Brown by the neck until each and both of then 
were dead, in the city and county of Denton, outside and im^ 
mediately north of the jail of said county, in the presence of fiv< 
freeholders of said county, W. B. Brown. A. G. Stapp. S. H 
Skinner. L. Willis and W. P. Harmonson. 

"Said executions did not take place inside of said jail, lit> 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 149 

ause said jail was not so constructed that a gallows could be 
L-ected therein; that the bodies of said George Brown and An- 
rew Brown were each and both decently buried. 

"R. H. Hopkins, Sheriff of Denton County, Texas." 

Many people from over the county attended the execution 
n the day the Brown boys were hanged. We had saloons in the 
3wn then and many of the boys "tanked up" on "white mule 
'■hiskey." There were about fifteen negro men from the east 
ide of the county in town that day. On returning home that 
vening a small race war was pulled off at the sand hill about 
even and one-half miles east of town. The negroes formed 
cross the road and captured two white men that were drunk 
nd proceeded to give them a whipping. There were many white 
len returning home along this road and as fast as they came 
p they dismounted and entered the fight. Finally some one 
ailed out, "Knife them, boys, knife them," and the knifing be- 
an. The negroes retreated in disorder after six of them had 
eceived knife wounds. Two of them, Dillard Thompson and 
lurrell Campbell, were seriously wounded. This conflict was 
rought on by parties, both black and white, who were drunk, 
nd the colored brothers learned by experience not to tamper 
7ith untempered mortar. 

In the year 1894, J. Q. A. Crews, a tenant on the farm of 
iLr. Murrell in Cooke County, about half way between Gaines- 
ille and Red River, became offended at his landlord over some 
ainor grievances. He went to his landlord's home and killed 
/li: and Mrs. Murrell, then proceeded to hunt for their two sons . 
o kill them. Finally he started to Red River to escape out of 
?'exas. On his way he met the youngest Murrell boy and killed 
lim. Just over in the Territory a man tried to arrest him, who 
lad nothing but a shotgun loaded with small shot. A fight 
snsued and the man shot Crews with the squirrel shot, but 
>ews killed him with his Winchester rifle. 

Crews was arrested at Thackerville, I. T., by Charles Liddell, 
Deputy U. S. Marshal for the Indian Territory. (Liddell was 
ifterwards killed in the discharge of his duties near Marietta, 



150 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



J 



I. T.) Crews was indicted in Cooke County and secured a chan^ 
of venue to Denton County, where he was tried at the spring 
term of the district court of Denton County in 1895 before the 
following jury: J. M. London, W. F. Creach, J. L. Parker, A. T. 
Bates. F. M. Crowley, R. R. Holloway. D. W. Newton, R. M. 
Cochrane, A. R. McGintie, R. Ledbetter, N. B. Baker, Frank 
Pierce. The Hon. J. T, Bottortf, a special judge, tried the case. 

Crews was executed October 14, 1895, as per the sheriff's 
report, to-wit: 

"Come to hand on the 4th day of October, 1895 and waa 
executed by me after 11 o'clock and before sunset on Monday, 
the 14th day of October, A. D. 1895, in said Denton County, 
Texas, at a place as privately as I could conveniently find, to-wit: 
by erecting a gallows on the north side of the jail and near to 
the jail, and enclosing the same with boards and making it aa 
private as possible. By hanging J. Q. A. Crews, the said person 
named within the said warrant, by the neck until he was dead, 
There were present at said execution the following named five 
free holders of said county, to-wit: L. Willis, C. L. Floyd. A, 
Wane Robertson. W. Y. Barnett. and A. Collins. 

"I did not execute said warrant within the walls of the countji 
jail because there was not sufficient room to erect a gall* 
therein. After said execution I turned over the body of the .^ 
J. Q. A. Crews to the wife and brother of the said J. Q. A, Cr* 
for burial. 

"Returned this the 16th day of October. A. D. 1875. 
"Sam Hawkins. Sheriff of Denton County. Texas." 

We had one case transferred out of Denton County on peti- 
tion of defendant, who alleged that he could not get justice ir 
Denton County. The details of the case are given below : 

In January. 1897. a store was broken into at Pilot Point am 
some clothes stolen. Sheriff Sam Hawkins advertised offering 
a reward. Three negroes were arrested in Hillsboro and broughl 
here and jailed, charged with the theft of the goods. 

Mr. Floyd Cobberly, from Little Elm, had recently been em 
ployed as jailer, and was not being as careful as he should hav< 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 151 



)een. On the morning of February 24, 1897, Mr. Cobberly 
vent up to the corridor into which the cells opened, to bring 
';?own the breakfast dishes, after which he locked the prisoners 
In their cells. All the prisoners went into their cells except one, 
jjcorge Henry, a negro, who said he was sick, and he was allowed 
,;he privilege of staying in the corridor. When Mr. Cobberly went 
inside and stooped over to pick up the dishes George Henry hit 
liim in the back of the head with a round green stick of stove- 
vood, which crushed his skull. Henry then to"ok Cobberly's 
Distol and was about to shoot him but the remainder of the 
prisoners prevailed on the negro not to shoot, for the jailer was 
Already dead. The negro threw the body of Mr. Cobberly down the 
stairway, unlocked all the cells, and he and his two pals armed 
;hemselves and made a dash for liberty. They ran as far out as the 
College of Industrial Arts' present location before they were 
Dvertaken and captured. The other prisoners would not go, but 
raised an alarm which was heard on the square, and the sheriff 
and a posse went to the relief. Mr. Cobberly died about two 
lours after being stricken down. 

The people of Mr. Cobberly's home community began ar- 
riving in bunches about three o'clock and as night approached 
it looked like a lynching was to follow, but no one had assumed 
to lead. As soon as darkness came Sheriff Hawkins spirited the 
negro to the Gainesville jail. Every few minutes while en route 
the negro would say, "I believe I hear them coming, don't you?" 

The district court had met that morning and the grand jury 
was impaneled. The negro was indicted and his trial set, but 
tie obtained a change of venue and was sent to Decatur for trial, 
where he was convicted and hanged about a year later. 
IHE Organization of the State Militia of Denton County 

In the year of 1871, in the month of May, E. J. Davis, the 
Reconstruction governor of Texas, ordered (by proclamation) W. 
F. Egan, sheriff of Denton County, to organize the State Militia 
of Denton County, and the day was set for all able-bodied men 
to appear and enroll. The town at that time had a few business 
houses on the north, west and south sides of the square, none on 



152 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

the east side except an old rock jail and Welch & Piner's law 
office. The square was covered with post oak trees and black 
jack saplings. On the north side there was a saloon, also one 
on the south side. 

The day opened beautifully bright and clear and the people 
over the county came together in answer to the governor's call. 
The town was full of men, who began forming companies and 
enrolling and electing officers. They began to drink, fist fight, 
and bluster, declaring that we had plenty of men for frontier 
protection but mightily few for the protection of the Reconstruc- 
tion governor. About noon when the whole town seemed to be 
drunk, the men began to transfer from one company to another, 
"Scratch my name off Company A and put it on Company C," or 
"off Company D and put it on Company E," and vice versa, until 
confusion reigned supreme, and the sheriff's list was a blotched 
and unintelligible piece of paper and the enrollment a perfect 
failure. 

The sheriff soon had all he could do to take care of the 
"drunks." He filled the rock jail and the balance he tried to 
herd together as prisoners. Many of the crowd were really 
funny, some were "mad," and many amusing incidents happened. 
One small boy, dressed in his dad's old blue- jeans coat, with its 
sleeves rolled up and its tail hitting him below the knees, gave 
a whoop and said he could whip any man in town, regardless of 
sex, age, color or previous condition of servitude. One poor 
fellow was up at the old Post Oak butcher house crying, "Let 
me in," and shaking the lock on the door. One was lying on his 
back on the square, reaching up in the air, saying. "Where is it? 
Where is it?" "Where is what?" "The ground. Fll catch it the 
next time it comes around." One fellow, moderately drunk, was 
hauling in an ox wagon a man who was "dead drunk," and the 
oxen ran into the hole of water on McKinney Street just above 
the bridge and turned the wagon bottom side up over the man. 

This is the history of Sheriff Egan's efforts to organize the 
State Militia of Denton County, and a memorable occasion it 
proved to be to all present. 



CHAPTER IX 

The Indian 

It is not necessary here to enter into the details of character 
of the Indians, as they have been recounted so often in other 
histories. Some of the people of this day regard as fiction, or 
fairy-tales for the amusement of the children, the stories of In- 
dian activities in Denton County. Nevertheless, seventy years 
ago Denton County was the common battleground batween the 
red men and the white. The ranger patrol line extended from 
Elm Station (between Gainesville and Red River) south to 
Hickory Station (three miles west of the city of Denton), south 
to Johnson's Station (about one mile south of Arlington, in the 
east edge of Tarrant County), and on to Waco on the Brazos 
River. The last contest took place about five miles west of 
Denton on October 28, 1868, just forty-eight years ago, in which 
a band of about 325 mounted Indians and about forty white men 
were engaged. 

That the Indian was here first, and in great numbers, we 
have living witnesses to certify. Just how long the Indians had 
occupied this section of the State we could not ascertain, as they 
kept no records, but this unorganized territory had a histoiy 
prior to organization in 1846, and it is deemed advisable to brief- 
ly recount it to establish our identity and the nature of the cause 
of war between the two races. 

The Spanish lost control over this territory in 1821; the 
Mexican Republic laid claim to it and established its constitution 
of 1824. In 1826, two years later, we find a convention of In- 
dians and white men at Nacogdoches issuing a declaration of in- 
dependence from the Mexican confederacy. From the minutes 
of the convention we give these excerpts : 



154 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



"The white immigrants now assembled in the town 
Nacogdoches around the independent standard on the one pa^ 
and the red immigrants who iuive espoused the same holy caus( 
on the other, in order to prosecute more speedily and effectually 
the war of independence, have mutually undertaken to a succ' 
ful issue, and to bind themselves by the ligaments of recipr^ u 
interests and obligations have resolved to form a treaty of union 
league and confederation. 

"For the illustrious object Benjamin W. Edwards and Har 
mon B. Mayo, agents of the Committee of Independence, an< 
Richard Fields and John D, Hunter, the agents of the Re< 
People, being respectively furnished with due powers, hav( 
agreed to the following articles : 

"First, the above named contracting parties bind themselvei 
to a solemn union, league and confederation, in peace and war 
to establish and defend their mutual independence of the Mexi 
can United States. 

"Second, the contracting parties guarantee mutually to th 
extent of their power the integrity of their respective territorie 
as now agreed upon and described, namely : The territory appor 
tioned to the Red People shall begin at the Sandy Spring wher 
Bradley'-s road takes off from the road leading from Nacog 
doches to the plantation of Joseph Dust, from thence west b; 
compass, without regard to variation, to the Rio Grande, then© 
to the head of the Rio Grande, thence with the mountains t 
the head of Big Red River, thence north to the boundary of th 
United States of North America, thence with the same line b 
the mouth of Sulphur Fork, thence in a right line to the begin 
ning. The territory apportioned to the white people shall com 
prehend all the residue of the province of Texas and of sucl 
other portions of the Mexican United States as the contractini 
parties, by their mutual efforts and resources, may render in 
dependent provided that the same shall not extend farther wes 
than the Rio Grande. 

"Fourth, it is distinctly understood by the contractini 
parties that the territory apportioned to the red people is in 



j HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 155 

tended as well for the benefit of the tribes now settled within 
the territory apportioned to the white people as for those living 
in the former territory, and that it is incumbent upon the con- 
tracting- parties for the red people to offer tribes a partition in 
the same." 

[Articles 3, 5, 6, and 7 give minor details and are not given 
here.] 

"In faith whereof the agents of the respective contracting 
parties hereto affix their names. 

"Done in the town of Nacogdoches this the 21st day of 
December in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred 
and twenty-six. 

(Signed) 

"B. W. Edwards, 
H. B. Mayo, 
Richard Fields, 
John D. Hunter. 

"We, the Committee of Independence and the Committee of 
Red People, do ratify the above treaty and do pledge ourselves to 
maintain it in good faith. 

"Done on the day and date above mentioned. 

(Signed) Martin Palmer, President. 

(Indians) (Whites) 

"Richard Fields, Haden Edwards, 

John D. Hunter, ' W. B. Legon, 

Ne-Ko-Lake, John Sprow, 

John Baggo, B. P. Thompson, 

Cuck-to-Keh. Joseph A. Huber, 

• • B. W. Edwards, 
H. B. Mayo." 

At this time everything in the form of government in Texas 
was in a chaotic condition and the constant conflicts of interests 
between the white man, the Mexican, and the Indian exhibited 
the necessity for a government. The treaty signatories claimed 
to be furnished with authority to do what they did do, and all 



156 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



other Indian tribes not then in the territory were to be located 
here, and Denton territory was assigned to the red man in 1826 
by this division of territory. 

This treaty was recognized in part by the Repubhc of Texas, 
and the Cherokee Indians granted lands in Cherokee County. 
But the Indians claimed hereunder all Northwest Texas, hence 
it was the main battleground of the Indian wars. They insisted 
that the whites were not keeping faith, notwithstanding there 
was no organized government behind the treaty. This treaty 
did not definitely settle anything, as the Indian was destitute 
of correct principles concerning property rights, and would 
take anything he wanted. This the whites could not tolerate, 
and at the first political convention, which met in San Felipe de 
Austin on October 1, 1832, (which was composed of forty-six 
delegates from the different towns in the State and was called 
by two alcaldes from the township of Austin) , a committee was 
appointed to investigate the matter. Excerpts from the com- 
mittee's report are given below : 

"To THE AYUNTAMIENTO OF NACOGDOCHES : 

"It is known that the Chei'okees claim by way of grant a 
tract of country about thirty miles northwest of Nacogdoches, 
which claim they have been told is worth about as much as the 
paper it is written on. The Shawnees, also, as well as others, 
have settled in the country and have been promised possessions. 
The promise is still protracted. When the Indian, inclined as 
he is to believe a promise made must eventually be fulfilled, be- 
comes frequently the dupe of craftiness and oppression, he 
naturally becomes discontented, unfriendly, and hostile; and in 
the present instance might be made troublesome to us. 

"The Indians' repeated requests to obtain their rights are 
unattended to because an accredited agent of the government 
[the Mexican United States] has been illegally suspended by a 
military officer and under these circumstances we solicit your 
honorable body to investigate the affairs and learn the wishes 
of the North American tribes of Indians in relation to their 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 157 

lands so that they may become assured of our friendship by 
active steps taken in their behalf and to the end that they may . 
not be intruded upon unlawfully or unjustly. 

"And lastly, we beg the Ayuntamiento of Nacogdoches will 
make known to the Indians that the disposition of the people of 
Texas is to assist them in obtaining good titles to and possession 
of land, and not to deprive them of that which they already 
claim. 

"C. W. Taylor, Chairman." 

This report was adopted and it was addressed to the 
Ayuntamiento at Nacogdoches, the nearest Mexican authority 
to deal with the Indians, who were becoming hostile, not only in 
North Texas, but along the entire western border. The Indian 
had his grievances, whether just or unjust. They, in their tribal 
relations, regarded the contract giving them this division of the 
State as legal. They knew no higher authority than that of the 
tribe and the mutual agreement between tribes. 

The approaching conflict between the Mexican government 
and the American colonists made it very desirable to appease 
the wrath of the unreasonable savages, who could be made allies 
and would be very desirable to the colonists. There was no 
manifested disposition upon the part of the white colonist to de- 
prive the Indian of his reasonable rights and a fair share of 
this vast public domain. Every effort was made to pacify the 
Indian and prevail upon him to settle down somewhere, and adopt 
a civilized life. 

The Mexican government was trying in their way to ac- 
complish this purpose and the Congress of Coahuila-Texas in 
decree No. 278, decreed as follows 

"With the intention of protecting the lives and property of 
the citizens, constantly sacrificed to the perfidy, rage, and bar- 
barity of the hostile Indian, and desirous that so important and 
sacred an object may be accomplished, * * * : 

"Article 1. The executive availing himself of the resources 
of the State shall repress the ferocity of the savages and shield 
the lives and property of the citizens from their aggressions. 



I 



158 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

"Article 1. No presents of any kind shall ever be made by 
the State to the savage tribes. 

"Article 5. Trade with the savages, especially in arms and 
ammunition, is hereby prohibited; and all persons who violate 
this provision shall be declared enemies of the State and subject 
to be condemned as traitors. 

"Approved at Monoclava April 19, 1834." 

The Indian pursued the natural trend of his life, and in t 
general convocation of the tribes agreed to exterminate the 
white settlers and to pursue war to that end. 

The conflict between the Mexican United States and tl 
North American colonists passed and Texas became a republi 
A new government was established, and renewed efforts were 
made to adjust the Indian affairs. President Sam Houston ap- 
pointed Joseph C. Eldredge (a gentleman from Connecticut, witli 
many attainments) as a commissioner of Indian affair's. Then 
a policy to treat with the various wild tribes was entered upon. 

Each wild tribe had its own dialect, or tongue, and each mu>i 
have some one to interpret. Jim Shaw, John Conner, and Jim 
Second-Eye. three Delaware Indians, were employed for the 
purpose. 

A commission to treat with the Indian tribes was created, 
consisting of President Houston, Commissioner Eldredge, and 
Hamilton P. Bell. The undertaking would probably consume six 
months of time, as the Indians were scattered all over Northwest 
Texas in roving bands and must be found and delegates secured 
to attend the "powwow," or convention. 

The place selected for the "powwow" was Bird's Fort, a Iok 
structure in the eastern edge of Tarrant County, about twent\ - 
five miles south of the town of Denton, on the trail from Waco to 
Red River, which at that time formed the dividing line between 
the white man and the red. This fort was afterwards called 
Birdsville, and when Tarrant County was organized, became the 
first county seat of that county. President Houston could not 
leave Washington for so long a period, but a council was to be 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 159 



leld at Bird's Fort on August 10, 1843, which he was to attend 
n person. 

I In March, 1843, the commission, composed of Joseph C. El- 
tlredge, Bernard E. Bee, and Thomas Torrey, Indian agent, with 
Interpreters, Jim Shaw, John Conner, and Jim Second-Eye (Dela- 
!|i^are Indians), and Acoquash, chief of the Wacos, with other 
Indian as scouts and traders, started for their long voyage up 

i 

he trail on the hazardous undertaking to summon the wild tribes 
p council at Bird's Fort on August 10. 

The trip to the fort was soon made, but the Indians were not 
'here and the first duty was to locate the tribes, as they were 
onstantly on the move. The commission headed northwest into 
he present Wise County, where Indian signs were found and a 
ialt made. The Delawares were sent out and brought in dele- 
rations from the Wacos, Anadarkos, Tow-e-ashes, Caddos, 
fceechies, Tehuacanas, Delawares, Bedias, and lones. A "pow- 
vow" was held lasting two days. The Indians agreed to send 
[elegations to Bird's Fort on August 10. 

Here a serious misunderstanding arose between the commis- 
ion and the interpreters, Shaw, Conner and Second-Eye. These 
ndians considered themselves the commission to treat with the 
did tribes and when they were informed that they were not, 
!;hey resolved to return to Mississippi and leave the commission 

themselves. A truce was patched up and the commission 
roceeded north across Red River in quest of the Comanches. 

1 At Wichita village (or Fort Sill) they found the Comanches. 
:l?he commission had to await the arrival of Payhayuca, the great 
i;hief, on August 8, (just two days before the date set for the 
jjonference at Bird's Fort). The Comanches viewed the com- 
[nissioners with distrust. Although there was no formal arrest, 
fhe commissioners were virtually prisoners in their tents. 

At about sunrise the next morning the Comanches as- 

embled in council with the chief to deliberate on the fate of the 

commissioners. Their deliberation lasted all day. The Indians 

ivere almost unanimous in favor of putting the white men to 

ifeleath, but the old chief Payhayuca had not yet spoken. The 



160 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



white men, aware of what was occurring, were suffering the 
pangs of death. They were surrounded by about a thousand Co- 
manche warriors in the Indian village, no hope of escape, doomed 
to death, apparently. In the Indian council from twelve to four 
o'clock not a word w^as uttered, waiting for Payhayuca, the great 
chief, to speak. Finally he spoke and assumed the responsibility 
for the lives of his guests and saved them from death. As the 
white men turned to behold the beauties of their last sunset on 
earth and to more steadfastly fix their faith in God, the three 
Delaware guides rushed into their tents, crying, "Saved! Saved!" 

I will give you the report General Bee made to his children : 
"Oh, God, can I ever forget that moment?" says General Bee. 
"To the earth, from which we came, we fell as if we had been 
shot, communing with Him who reigns over all — a scene which 
might be portrayed on canvas, but not described. Pi'ostrate on 
earth lay- the white man and the red man, creatures of a common 
brotherhood, typified and made evident on that day in the wilder- 
ness. Not a word was spoken ; each bowed to the earth, brothers 
in danger and brothers in the holy electric spark, which caused 
each in his way to thank God for deliverance." 

After this ordeal had passed, succeeded by a measure of 
almost heavenly repose, the interpreters explained to the com- 
missioners how, after four hours of solemn silence, Payhayuca 
had eloquently espoused the cause of mercy and the sanctity of 
the white flag of peace borne by these messengers. His appeal, 
perhaps, was as powerful and eloquent as ever fell from the lips 
of an untutored son of the forest. Upon its conclusion amid 
much confusion the vote was taken, and the chief was sustained 
by a small majority. 

The chief placed a circle of one hundred warriors around 
the tent of the white men and no one was allowed to pass in or 
out during the night. 

On the morrow the commissioners were carried before the 
Indian council and delivered their message of friendship and good- 
will from President Houston, and invited the Indians to ac- 
company the commission to the council at Bird's Fort. The white 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY l6l 



men distributed presents and awaited the council's answer. The 
council overruled their chief and refused to send delegates to the 
meeting at Bird's Fort. 

The commissioners then started on their return journey of 
about five hundred miles over the trackless prairies leading in 
a southeastern direction to Warren's trading point on Red River, 
thence south down the line by Elm Station and Hickory Station 
to Bird's Fort, where they met George W. Terrell and E. H. Tar- 
rant, two commissioners, who had about given them up as lost. 

On September 29, 1843, Commissioners Terrell and Tarrant 
closed a treaty with the following tribes : Tehuacanas, Keechies, 
Wacos, Caddos, Anadarkos, lones, Paluxes, Delawares, and a few 
isolated Cherokees and Wichitas. But the most ferocious tribe 
of all, the Comanches, stayed out and continued almost incessant- 
ly on the warpath. 

A new line of demarcation was agreed upon between the 
whites and Indians and trading houses were to be established, 
one at the juncture of the Clear Fork and West Fork of the Trini- 
ty River, at the present site of Fort Worth, one at Comanche 
Peak, and one at old San Saba. Just how long this treaty had 
effect, if it ever had any, we are not able to determine, but one 
fact is well established, the Indians continued to roam over this 
line, sometimes on peaceable missions, but frequently for the 
purpose of committing depredations, and sometimes in war. 

In 1842 John B. Denton had been killed on Village Creek and 
now (1843) a new treaty had been signed at Bird's Fort, indi- 
cating that this was the center of the Indian trouble at that time. 
Texas was then on the eve of changing from a republic to a State 
and the change was «the all-absorbing topic for several years. 

The United States, in the early fifties, adopted a new policy 
in dealing with the Indians and established two Indian agencies 
or reservations for them, one on Salt Creek in Young County, 
near Fort Belknap and the other about twenty miles west on the 
Clear Fork of the Brazos. The Comanches were so hostile toward 
the other tribes and so numerous they were put at the Clear 
Fork agency. They each had their bounds in which to hunt. 



162 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



The government put two agents in charge of the agencies, Cap-] 
tain Sul P. Ross of Waco, the noted Indian fighter, and Captaii 
John L. Lovejoy of Denton, who was with John B. Denton whenl 
he was killed at Village Cieek. It was the duty of the agents! 
to look after the Indians, to give them permits to go on hunting 
expeditions, and to tell them where to go. This, like all other 
schemes to control them, proved a failure. 

The Indian could not be trusted and he soon learned to dodge 
the agents and make raids back into the settlements. Each 
agent had settlers' stores for trading purposes, and great cares 
and responsibilities were resting upon them, as well as the con- 
stant danger of losing their lives. 

On one occasion an irritated Indian warrior, with his knife, 
undertook to kill Agent Lovejoy. The Indian made a thrust to 
stab him, but Lovejoy threw his arms around him and hugged 
him in so close that the Indian's knife went over the shoulder 
and down on the outside of the back. Indian and white man went 
to the ground together. The Indian chuckled in exultation, 
thinking the knife had gone down through the collai' bone and 
that he had killed his man. But relief came — the Indian had 
missed his aim. Old Uncle John Lovejoy considered this his 
closest call. 

These agency Indians continued to raid through Denton 
County and on into Collin County until 1859, when the people 
of Collin and Denton counties arose en masse and about one hun- 
dred of them marched to Fort Belknap to exterminate the Indians | 
and break up the agency. The company of men was led by Cap- 
tain John R. Baylor. When they arrived at the agency they 
found that the United States government had sent two companies 
of soldiers to protect the Indians from attack. They were de- 
feated in their purpose and returned home. Their effort, how- 
ever, later caused the removal of the reservations to Fort Sill 
north of Red River. But the Indians continued their depreda- 
tions from those headquarters. 

In 1857, Goveinor Runnels took steps upon the part of the 
State to protect us from these Indians as well as from a different 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 163 

md of Comanches located just north of Red River. He ap- 
)inted Captain S. Ford, who raised a company of one hundred 
en and proceeded north, and when they reached the reserva- 
on on the Brazos, Captain S. P. Ross, with about one hundred 
' the most civiHzed reservation Indians, accompanied him on 
TOSS Red River. They found the Comanches led by Chief Iron 
icket, and gave battle. Quite a number of the Comanches were 
lied, and the others retreated back northwest. After this 
?ht Captain Ford and his men returned south and disbanded, 
; they were "six-months" men. 

The United States, on the admission of Texas into the Union, 
id agreed to protect the frontier borders and had established 
rts, garrisoned with troops, in the west for that purpose, but 
le treachery and cunning of the Indian rendered their efforts 
[tile. In answer to the request of the people of the counties of 
ise, Collin, and Denton the reservation was changed to Fort 
11 just north of Red River and north of Wichita Falls. Here 
ey were supposed to be when, in 1861, the war broke out, and 
e United States soldiers retreated north and we were left un- 
■otected. It was charged that the soldiers left agents among 
e Indians to incite them to war on the settlements, but this was 
»t believed by many people, because the horrors attending 
ch a course could not be attributed to a civilized enemy. 

These Indians, from their new headquarters, were really bet- 
r situated than ever before and considered themselves safe 
len they crossed Red River with their stolen horses. Nearly all 
their raids were now made from about the mouth of Wichita 
iver southeast by Dye Mound, in Montague County, and on 
iwn Denton Creek and Clear Creek into Denton County. Some- 
Ties the Indians would turn east from Dye Mound into Cooke 
)unty and sometimes south into Wise County, but generally 
>wn Denton Creek. They would make their trips during the 
fht moon, traveling all night down these creeks and hiding in 
e thickets in the daytime. They drove thousands of horses from 
e western part of Denton County. These depredations con- 
lued during the war. When the war was over, the United 



f 



1G4 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

States placed detachments of soldiers at Fort Sill. Fort Belknap 
and at Jacksboio, I'Dr our protection, and disarmed the citizen 
as a precautionary measure in reconstruction. 

The Indians then saw their golden opportunity. They did n* • 
fear the United States soldiers and the soldiers as a protectio 
were a misnomer. The Indians became so bold that they final I, 
surrounded the government supply train twelve miles this side 
of Fort Belknap on Young Prairie, killed all the teamsters, burned 
the wagons and drove off the mules. When this happened, the 
soldiers' attitude was changed. General Sherman visited th 
forts for inspection and found his error to be in disarming thi 
settlers and arming the Indians, and that it was the Indians that 
needed reconstruction. Se he reversed his poflicy and sought 
to disarm the Indians and arm the settlers. 

On the night of October 8, 1868, a beautiful, bright, moon- 
shine night, about three hundred and twenty-five Comanche In- 
dians from Fort Sill had slipped down Denton and Clear Creeks 
and in the early part of the night were discovered by Mr. Jackson 
at his place on Hickory Creek, just south of Krum. He gave the 
alarm in the neighborhood and by daylight the next morning 
some eight or ten white men had gathered. Before them in the 
valley between the two Hickory Creeks, the Indians were en- 
gaged in rounding up all the horses that they had been able t 
find in the county. The supposition was that they had confined 
themselves to Grand Prairie and all west of town and from Clear 
Creek on the north to Denton Creek on the south. Squire VVm. Mc- 
Cormick counted three hundred and twenty-five in the valley and 
they were coming and going in all directions, bringing in horses 
to the herd. Shortly after sunrise they started the herd north- 1 
west up the divide between Hickory Creek and Clear Creek and 
on by Dye Mound to the big Wichita just above its mouth before I 
they stopped to rest. Of course the horses were driven at a gal- ' 
Jop most of the way and were completely run down. The Indians 
had carried out about six hundred head of horses. 

The settlers from Denton on west had dropped in on the trail 
until there were about forty in a body under the leadership of 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 165 

Captain Crow Wright. The settlers overtook the Indians on 
White's Creek, a small stream that flows into Clear Creek from 
the west near the northwest corner of Denton County. The 
Indians turned and gave battle and the settlers had to retreat 
on account of insufficient numbers. Mr. Fortenberry was killed 
and badly mutilated in the fight. The Indians hurried on with 
,these horses and carried them directly to the Indian agency at 
iFort Sill, under the protection of the United States soldiers. 
As they passed Dye Mound a party of Montague citizens were in 
waiting for them and gave them a running fight, but they were 
'too weak in numbers to make a stand. Four days after this raid 
the United States gave its consent to the citizens to organize and 
bear arms for self-defense and issued the following orders : 

Headquarters Fort Richardson, Texas, November 2, 1868. 
Special Order No. 182, Extract IV. 

The citizens of Wise County, Texas, are authorized to embody a 
sufficient number of their people to protect themselves from depredating 
Indians. They will report to the commanding officer of this post the number 
of citizens thus embodied from time to time and the result of their opera- 
tions. S. H. Starr, 
■ Battalion Colonel, U. S. A., Major 6th U. S. Cavalry. 

Commanding Post. 

Government Saw Mills on Big Sandy, November 2, 1868. 
Mr. Shoemaker. 

Sir: In order to assist me in the organization of the citizens of 
Wise and adjoining counties, you are requested to proceed to Decatur and 
notify the people that I will be there tomorrow for the purpose of assisting 
in whatever may be necessary for home defense against the Indians. From 
Decatur you may proceed to Denton and do what you can toward getting 
volunteers to join the force to organize at Decatur. 

Moses Wiley, 
First Lieutenant U. S. Cavalry. 

All citizens of Denton County able to bear arms are requested to 
aieet in the town of Denton on Saturday, next, the 7th instant, armed and 
equipped for the field. 

R. H. Hopkins, 

Enrolling Clerk. 

On the day above named a company of Indian scouts was 
organized at Denton, Texas, and they elected as their Captain, 



ir,«; HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



I 



li. 11. Hopkins, "Ihicle Bob," as they called him, and in whon 
they had impHcit confidence. They went into camp on Clea 
Creek about twenty miles northwest of Denton. Captain Shoe 
maker of Decatur organized a company of Wise County men am 
acted in conjunction with Captain Hopkins to patrol the north 
west against the Comanche Indians of Fort Sill. 

Montague County was organized under Leroy Ferryman. an( 
the Indians soon found out that his trail was guarded by citizei 
soldiers and that it was time for them to move farther north 
west. These citizen soldiers served free and secured their pro 
visions as best they could. They were assisted by a company o 
State Rangers in the pay of the State. To them we are indebtei 
largely for the settlement of the Indian question in Dentoi 
County. The last raid was made on Denton Creek, south o 
Stony, in 1871. 

From 1844 to 1871, a period of twenty-seven years, we wen 
engaged in Indian warfare in Denton County, but the men of thi 
day never heard the "war whoop," nor have they ever seen th 
moccasin tracks, noi- visited the heart-rending scenes of womei 
and children mutilated and scalped, and the homes burned. 

Elsewhere we reproduce the reports of some of the oit 
settlers, in the form of letters, giving details as they saw then 
from their viewpoint. These reports differ as to facts, but the; 
describe the early life and customs of the pioneers so minute 
ly that it makes us feel the kinship that exists between us am 
our ancestors. For these reasons and because of their interest 
we want to preserve these reports for the future citizens of th' 
county. 



CHAPTER X 

Commerce and Transportation 

In the early days Denton County had but little to sell, except 
horses and cattle, which were driven overland to markets in the 
North and East from three to eight hundred miles away. Louisi- 
ana, Mississippi, and Tennessee were considered our best horse 
and mule markets and it was a common thing in the spring to 
see droves of horses and mules driven to market. The people 
learned that horses and mules were similar to human beings in 
that they will follow their leaders, especially a belled mare. So 
one would see a man at the head of the drove, riding a belled 
mare, and from one to two men bringing up the rear. They 
would be gone from three to five months, driving and disposing 
of the stock. They would drive about thirty miles a day and feed 
night and morning. 

The marketing of cattle was different. In the spring of the 
year, when the grass was green, droves were formed, sometimes 
by individuals who were large stock growers, sometimes by two 
or three, driving together. Generally there were from three to 
five hundred head in a drove, but sometimes a drove would con- 
tain a thousand head, scattered out in a string a mile long. They 
never fed the cattle as they did horses, and they counted from 
eight to ten miles a day a good drive. The cattle were driven 
slowly and allowed to graze as they went. Often a drove would 
be one-half mile in width. The cattle could not be advantageous- 
ly driven through a thickly settled country. They were generally 
driven to St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, and Baxter Springs. 
This route was over a prairie country, where the cattle could feed 
as they were driven. 

We had what was called the "Chisum Trail," leading from 



1<!S HISTOliV OF DENTON COUNTY 



here to the northern markets. It was made by John Chisum of 
Denton County. A trail was made with three things in view, 
jrrass and water every day. and a mai-ket at the end of the route. 
We had no roads to amount to much in those days. But a cattle 
trail was a very conspicuous mark across the country. Some- 
times it would be from fifty to one hundi'ed yards wide, without 
veg-etation, especially if the herds were driven along when the 
ground was wet. ]\Ien learned thoroughly the habits of cattle 
and the best ways to handle them when herded together, and 
the dangers arising from being thrown together in large bodies. 

To be a cowboy, in deed and truth, meant something more 
than a fairy tale. Cattle sleep at certain times at night and at 
certain times get up and turn over. Frequently they stampede, 
generally at night when everything is quiet. The cattle are per- 
haps dreaming, some unusual noise produces a fright, and the 
whole herd runs together in the same direction, running over 
everything in their path. They would scatter in small herds 
all over the country when worn out. Some of the cowboys 
were run over and a number killed. The cowboy was an expert 
in his line of business and was always on guard. It was his 
duty to overtake the leaders and circle the cattle and when pro- 
perly done the circle could be made on a square mile of territory. 
The cattle, when worn out. would drop out, one by one, and come 
to rest. When properly managed, the cattle could be oi'derly 
assembled without much loss, but if scattered over eight or 
ten miles of territory, much time would be consumed in as- 
sembling and some of the cattle could not be found. 

We could raise sheep and hogs with as much ease as cattle 
and horses but they traveled so slowly, and at such a disadvantage 
when driven in droves that the distance to markets made it un- 
profitable. So hogs were raised for home consumption and sheep 
loi- wool. Jefferson and Houston, Texas, and Shreveport and New 
Orleans, Louisiana, were our markets, or places of exchange, for 
the products. We sent wool, hides, and furs and sometimes 
wheat, but the manner of transportation made wheat unprofit- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 169 



Die. Sometimes wheat was worth only twenty-five cents a 
iishel. 

Transportation facilities consisted of "ox trains" for freight 
auling. An ox team was composed of five or six yokes of oxen 
itched to a large wagon, sometimes called "prairie schooners," 
nd would haul from 5,000 to 6,000 pounds of freight. Two or 
iree wagons constituted an "ox train," and would go together, 
hey could make but one trip a year on account of the distance 
nd problem of sustenance. These "ox trains" would start in the 
pring as soon as grass was up sufficiently to graze the oxen, and 
^ould sometimes be on the road two months. On that account our 
)cal stores "stocked up" only once a year. When they ran out 
f an article they were out until the next year. Hence it was 
Dmmon to hear such expressions as these: "They tell me that 
ou can get coffee at Dallas now;" "They tell me that you can get 
ugar and tobacco at McKinney now." 

The lumber we used in our houses was hauled from Wood 
nd Upshur counties and cost $2.00 per hundred feet at the mill, 
t was rough and sometimes green and very heavy to haul. The 
rice of hauling was $1.00 per hundred feet for each quarter of 
n inch in thickness, that is, $4,00 per hundred feet for one-inch 
Limber, or $6.00 per hundred feet, counting the cost at the mill. 
Salt was worth $7.00 per sack of two hundred pounds and was 
lauled from Jordan Saline in Van Zandt County, 

Two things brought a wonderful change in Denton County — 
he railroads and barbed-wire fences. The barbed-wire was the 
neans of fencing the country and changing the custom and habits 
yf the people to such an extent as to form an issue in State poli- 
ics, and to cause the State campaign called the "free grass cam- 
)aign." Barbed-wire was the greatest blessing to this country 
hat we had and yet the poor man and his family, who had had 
mrestricted access to the timber of the old surveys, and free 
jrass and free range, resisted the new organization and strict 
istablishment of property rights. They were called "nesters" 
Dy the cow man, and a state of war was on in 1885 in Wise and 
rack counties, and in the western part of Denton County. Many 



170 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



» 



miles of wire fence were cut down and several men lost thrr 
lives while cutting fences. The difficulties of the new situati 
soon adjusted themselves along the lines of mutual rights and 
pui)lic benefits, and we all recognized the barbed-wire fence a- 
great blessing. 

The railroads came as a great blessing to Denton Coun; 
but at a great price to the State of Texas. The State had enablec 
us to make this a great county by bringing to our doors a marked 
for all our products, and furnishing cheap transportation to qui 
people. The railroad problem is still unsettled. On account o) 
this and its effects on our people — past, present, and future — 
it is deemed best to refer to some of the railroad legislation 
the State to better undertsand the problem. 

On February 4, 1856, the Legislature granted a chartei 
to the Memphis, El Paso and Pacific Railroad Company from Re( 
River on the east to El Paso on the west, a distance of abou 
eight hundred miles. The act took all the land off the market 
for location or otherwise, for eight miles on each side of the loca 
tion tract and gave to the road eight sections of land for eacl 
mile of completed roadbed. When the company should have com 
pleted as much as twenty-five miles or more, certificates were t> 
be issued on that part of the road. The war of '61 came and f' 
road was not built. But a new charter was sought and obtaii 
from the Congress of the United States, dated March 3, 1871. i 
the name of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, reaching from Texai 
kana to El Paso, and the transcontinental division of the samt 
reaching from Texarkana west to the west line of Grayson Cour 
ty and thence southwest to Fort Worth, through Denton, to it 
connection with the main line. This company acquired the right 
pf the old company, the M.,E. & P. R. R.Co.. and on April 12, 1871 
the Reconstruction legislatui'e passed an act authorizing counties 
cities, and towns to aid railroads by issuing bonds and donatin' 
the same to railroads. The act was amended on May 6, 1871, r< 
quiring that the money derived from said bonds should be ir 
vested in the State. 

In 1872, the Texas & Pacific Railroad secured the necessar 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 171 

signatures to a petition to the commissioners' court of Denton 
County, calling for an election on the proposition for the county 
to vote $80,000 of bonds, and the city of Denton $40,000 of bonds 
as a donation to the Texas & Pacific Railroad to build the road 
through Denton County, 

This was a startling proposition and unreasonable under the 
circumstances. Rev. William E. Bates canvassed Denton County 
against the bond issue and made such an impression as to render 
the bond issue hopeless. Hon J. W. Throckmorton, agent for the 
railroad company, withdrew the proposition and the road was 
built through Denton as required by the charter and the city and 
county saved the $120,000. 

The Reconstruction Legislature passed a bill November 25, 
1871, amending an act passed May 24, 1871, to encourage the 
construction of railroads. This bill provided for the State to is- 
sue bonds of $3,000,000 to the Southern Pacific (assigned to the 
Texas & Pacific) from Longview to Fort Worth, and the trans- 
continental branch of the same through Denton, making a junc- 
ture at Fort Worth,— $3,000,000 of State bonds to each line, to 
be issued at the rate of $10,000 per mile on completion of sec- 
tions of twenty-five miles, with a proviso that the legislature 
should have the right at any time before January 1, 1874, to 
substitute for the bonds twenty-four sections of land per mile, 
(compromised at twenty sections). This is what the Texas & 
Pacific Railroad received in settlement. They have thirty-five 
and nine-tenths miles running through the county from Pilot 
Point to Roanoke. The railroad received 718 sections of land, of 
640 acres each, or 459,520 acres, as the price paid for Denton 
County's T. & P. Railroad, or about four-fifths as much land as 
there is in the county. 

The Fourteenth Legislature on April 22, 1874, repealed the 
act authorizing counties, towns, and cities to vote bonds to rail- 
roads, except twelve counties named, in the southwest part of the 
State. 

The legislature on May 2, 1873, passed an act re-adjusting 
the Texas & Pacific's claims, and settling on a basis of twenty sec- 



172 IIIS'IOKN- (>K DKNTUN COUNTY 



tions to the mile. The people under reconstruction and restricted 
suffrage had voted a constitutional amendment on November 5, 
(>. 7, and S, 1S72. authorizing the legislature to grant to railroads 
twenty sections of land to the mile. 

The legislature on May 28, 1873. passed an act incon)oi-ating 
the Gulf, Colorado & Sante Fe Railroad, granting to it sixteen 
sections per mile of completed road, certificates to be issued on 
every ten miles of completed road. The road has thirty-two 
and nine-tenths miles in Denton County, for which it received 
526 sections, or 336,896 acres of land, equal to three-fifths of the 
amount of land in Denton County. 

The Dallas & Wichita Railroad was chartered by the Thir- 
teenth Legislature on May 24, 1873, granted to J. W. Calder, 
W. J. Clark, I. B. Calder, Henry S. Ervay, C. Wagefarth, J. W. 
Swindells, D. Conelly, J. W. Haynes, T. C. Jordan, and Thomas 
Fields. They were granted sixteen sections of land per mile. 
Certificates to be issued on the completion of each ten miles, and 
the charter was to be foi'feited unless twenty miles of road 
were completed and in running order by July 1, 1875. The com- 
pany barely saved the charter by completing the road to a point 
just below Lewisville in Denton County on July 1, 1875. J. W. 
Calder was killed m Dallas in a difficulty growing out of the 
financial affairs of the road. The road was built on to Denton 
and has twenty and three-tenths miles in Denton County, for 
which they leceived 329 sections of land, or 210,560 acres. 

On April 22, 1882, the legislature passed an act repealing all 
laws granting lands to railroads as subsidies, and the constitution 
of 1876 repealed the constitutional amendment voted in Novem- 
ber, 1872, and thus ended the devastation of the public domair 
of Texas by the railroads. 

The St. Louis & San Francisco (Frisco) has built ten miles 
in the southeastern part of the county. 

These roads are listed in 1915 for taxation as follows: 

M., K. & T. R. R.— miles, 20 35-100; valuation, $162,800, 
rolling stock, $118,550; intangible, $153,755; total valuation 
$435,105. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 173 



T. & P. R. R.— miles, 35 89-100 ; valuation, $412,735 ; rolling 
stock, $105,265; intangible, $685,910; total valuation, $1,203,910. 

Santa Fe R. R.— miles, 32 88-100 ; valuation, $378,120 ; roll- 
ing stock, $58,155 ; intangible, $45,745 ; total valuation, $482,020. 

Frisco R. R.— miles, 9 99-100; valuation, $90,000; rolling 
stock, none ; intangible, none ; total value, $90,000. 

Grand totals: miles, 99 11-100; valuation, $1,043,655; roll- 
ing stock, $281,970; intangible, $885,410; grand total valuation, 
$2,211,035. 

They have received lands as follows : 

T. & P. R. R.— sections, 718; acres, 459,520. 

M., K. & T. R. R.— sections, 329 ; acres, 210,560. 

Santa Fe R. R.— sections, 526 ; acres, 336,640. 

Grand total sections, 1,573; grand total acres, 1,006,720. 

A county thirty miles square has nine hundred sections, 
or 576,000 acres in it; or one and three-fourths counties were 
given by the State for the ninety-nine miles of road in Denton 
Pounty. This land, valued at $2.6114 Pei" acre, will give the ren- 
iiition value for taxation, $2,719,045, or $30,551 per mile; or the 
^tate gave approximately $4.75 per acre for every acre in Denton 
County for ninety-nine miles of railroad. The questions are often 
asked, "Who owns the railroads?" and "Is it right to control 
them?" 

! These roads are almost invaluable to the county, and draw- 
ing the line of exact justice between the people and the roads is 
the railroad problem of today. We have recited these facts at 
length that the future citizens of Denton County may know the 
history of the railroads they find here. 



CHAPTER XI 

Old Settlers' and Veterans' Association 

In August, 1889, the old settlers of Denton County met at a 
picnic and barbecue at Denton and organized the Old Settlers' 
Reunion of Denton County, and adopted the following by-laws : 
"To the Old Settlers' Association of Denton County: 

"We, your committee, appointed to draft a constitution and 
by-laws for the Associiition, do submit the following : 

"Article 1. That while we believe in the divinity of the 
Scriptures, we declare that the Association is non-sectarian and 
non-political, but that the same is for the purpose of preserving 
the names of the old settlers as well as the history and reminis- 
cences of Texas. 

"Article 2. That this Association shall consist of one presi- 
dent, five vice-presidents, one chaplain, and one secretary-treasur- 
ei-, who shall be selected by a viva voce vote of this Association 
at an annual meeting of the same, and who shall hold saicfoffices 
for a period of two years from their election. 

"Article 3. That the vice-presidents of this Association 
shall be elected in series and in the absence or disability of the 
president, they shall perfoi-m the duties of the office in the order 
in which they are selected. 

"Article 4. That the secretary shall keep written minutes 
of the proceedings of the Association and at each session he shall 
read the minutes of the preceding session, which, when approved, 
shall be by said secretary recorded in a well-bound book and pre- 
served by him foi- the use of the Association. 

"Article 5. It shall be the duty of the chaplain of this As- 
.sociation to open the exercises of the same by an invocation, and 










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J. R. CHAMBERS 



OLD SETTLERS' AND VETEEANS' ASSOCIATION 
MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 




J. K. nUSTER 



MEMBER OK KXECTTIVE COMMITTEE 
Ol.n SETTLERS' AND VETERANS' ASSOCIATION 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 175 



rform such other religious duties as may be ordered by the 
.sociation. 

"Article 6. The treasurer of this Association shall keep all 
neys belonging to the same and report in writing at each meet- 
j the condition of the treasury, which report shall be recorded 
the secretary in the minutes kept by him. 

"Article 7. That all the bona fide inhabitants of the State 
iTexas, for a period of thirty years, and who are residents of 
[nton County, and who are now enrolled as members, and all 
may hereafter be enrolled, shall be, and are, entitled to 
''mbership in this Association, unless dismissed for cause 
jmed sufficient by a two-thirds vote of the Association. 

"Article 8. That for the convenience of the Association the 
be shall meet on Thursday and Friday on or before each full 
Ion in August at the city of Denton, or at such other places as 
y be provided and named by the president and secretary. 

Article 9. The president, for sufficient cause, assigned by 
1, and notice given thereof for one month previous to any 
Bting of this Association, may extend or diminish the duration 
ime of each meeting hereof. 
[ "Article 10. It shall be the duty of the president of this 
liociation to appoint a committee of three suitable persons of 
13 Association to be known as a ways and means committee, 
3se services shall be for two years, and whose duty it shall be 
)rovide for the perpetuation, pleasure, and comfort of the As- 
lation. 

'Article 11. It shall be the duty of this Association, if 
cticable, to secure suitable grounds within a mile of the court- 
se of Denton County for the use of this Association, which 
unds shall be kept for, and known as, the Old Settlers' Camp- 
und. 

"Article 12. At the dissolution of this Association, or at any 
e before, by a two-thirds vote of this Association, said grounds 
be sold and conveyed by the president and secretary, for 
^, to any person buying the same, and the proceeds shall be 



176 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



divided between the indigent widows and orphans of the mem 
beis of this Association. 

"Article 13. Upon a majority vote of this Association, an: 
and all meetings hereof, may be changed to any other place i 
Denton County, which may seem advisable. (| 

"Article 14. No candidate for office shall be heard to spea 
in behalf of his candidacy nor shall anyone be heard to spea 
upon any political issue before the country." 

These by-laws have been changed several times, but owin; 
to the loss of the books and most of the papers, a full history o 
the Association cannot be given. 

At the meeting at Pilot Point, August 11, 1909, the minute 
revealed the following fact : 

"R. H. Bates addressed the chair relating to amendment ( 
the constitution, providing that all Confederate soldiers shouli 
be eligible to membership in the Old Settlers' Association, ani 
that they should take an active part in its proceedings. Sul 
mitted by this amendment and carried unanimously." 

At the Lewisville meeting July 22, 1915, six years later, th 
following resolution was adopted : 

"Resolved, That the proposition submitted by Sul Ross Cam 
of Confederate Veterans, that the Old Settlers and the Confet 
erate Veterans consolidate, is hereby accepted, and that the ol 
settlers of Denton County and the Confederate veterans (the 
wives and daughters) are hereby united and consolidated for th 
purpose of annual reunions and such other purposes as may I 
found desirable." 

The Association also extended to the G. A. R. association ( 
Denton County a cordial invitation to unite with the Associatic 
for the same purposes as those responsible for consolidation wit 
the Confederate veterans. 

In 1898, the Association began to discuss the history of De 
ton County and to formulate plans to secure the publication i 
the history at its session in 1899. 

Rev. William Allen was selected to locate the remains ■ 
Captain John B. Denton and to write the history of the Captai 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 177 

These commissions were executed to the satisfaction of nearly- 
all concerned. Under the supervision of John W. Gober, R. H. 
Hopkins, C. C. Daugherty, and R. H. Bates, a committee appoint- 
by the Old Settlers' Association, the remains of Captain Denton 
were brought to Denton in 1900. In the presence of Rev. J. T. 
Denton and John B. Denton, Jr., sons of the illustrious Captain 
Denton, Professor William Baker, his grandson, and a large con- 
course of citizens, the remains were laid to rest in the southeast 
corner of the courthouse yard. E. B. Orr, L. Willis, J. M. Swish- 
er, John W. Gober, J. H. Hawkins, and W. C. Wright acted as 
pallbearers. 

Captain Denton's grave is now enclosed by a low brick wall, 
and awaits the time when future generations will build a more 
suitable monument to commemorate his life and character. 

The Old Settlers' Association has continued its efforts to 
secure a history of Denton County and the reminiscences of the 
pioneer settlers. On August 8, 1913, the Association elected 
I. D. Ferguson, historian, and Ed F. Bates, J. W. Medlin, and 
A. J. Nance to supervise and have published the history of Den- 
ton County. 

At Sanger, August 7, 1914, Ed F. Bates was elected chair- 
man of the committee on the History and Reminiscences of Den- 
ton County, and authorized to fill out the committee and to solicit 
funds to bear the expense of gathering and collating the tradi- 
tions and history of the old settlers and of Denton County. 

At Lewisville, July 22, 1915, the Association continued the 
committee on the History and Reminiscences of Denton County, 
composed of Ed F. Bates, Levi Ballew, S. V. Lusk, and T. R. Allen. 

At Pilot Point, August 18, 1916, the following resolution was 
offered by D. S. Donald, G. P. Davis, J. C. Coit, and A. Wayne 
Robertson, and was adopted : 

"Resolved, That the Old Settlers ' and Veterans' Association 
of Denton County hereby authorize, empower, and direct Ed F. 
Bates, the secretary of said Association, to write the History and 
Reminiscences of Denton County as nearly authentic as possible, 



178 HISTORY OF DKNTON COUNTY 

to secure tiu' i)ul)lication of said work, and to manage and control 
the publication and sale of said work. The same to be pubhshed 
as soon as the subscription list thereto will warrant, and th, 
the following associations and persons be, and they are herel 
appointed to solicit subscriptions for the book, and to rend, 
such other and further services as may be necessary to secui 
such publication, and that all solicitors shall be under the manag 
ment and control of the said Ed F. Bates, and that he is hereby 
fully authorized and empowered to appoint such other solicitoj s 
and to do and perform such other things as in his judgmeni 
may be necessary to secure the early publication and distribu- 
tion of said Histoiy and Reminiscences of Denton County." 

The solicitors referred to in the lesolution mentioned above 
ai"e as follows : 

Denton : Katie Daffan Chapter No. 938, United Daughters 
of the Confederacy. 

Pilot Point: Levi Ballew, George Light, Jim Jones, Doctor 
T. N. H. Wylie, Doctor 0. C. Buster, VV. B. iMontgomery, Doctor 
A. L. McFarland, Mason Russell, Gordon Elmore, Booker Ed- 
wards, Sam Keith. 

Lewisville: Captain S. V. Lusk, S. T. Higgins, Jim Degan, 
J. H. Donald, Crockett Kealy, J. E. Buster. Jim Jackson, 0. L. 
Hamilton, J. H. Cunningham, Bob Donald. 

Sanger : Marshall Nance, Ed Forester, F. M. Ready, J. S. J. 
Gober, Doctoi- G. D. Lain, B. D. Jones, Doctor J. E. Rice, J. D. 
Sullivan. 

Aubrey : VV. P. Ratchford, R. H. Ezell, J. F. Morgan, W. T. 
Wilson, A. Q. Mustain, F. O. McReynolds, Tom Hill, B. F. Witt, 
Joel Phillips, J. R. Byrom. 

Krum : Doctor A. H. Knox, B. F. Wilson, Ed Rucker, D. S. 
Donald, V. A. Crews, Joe Oats, L. Magee. 

Argyle: John H. Paine, Bud Bullard, Delo Matthis, Lsh 
Crawford, Rev. Robert Keith, K. Aired. 

Frisco: C. C. Hawkins, Byrom R. Smith, Doctor L S. Rodg- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY l79 

:'s, Addison Rodgers, Billy Griffin, J. W. Hawkins, J. H. Standi- 

iY. 

Prosper : J. J. M. Harper, John Wilson, Herbert Bates, Tom 
/"heeler. 

Slidell: T. S. Atchison, W. S. Doyle, Sam Redding, D. B. 
uttrill, J. M. Waide. 

Hebron : C. Harpool, R. M. Everett, Hamlin Morgan, W. C. 
urneaux. 

Justin: W. T. Williams, J. A. Harmonson, Doctor T. R. 
lien, A. E. Faught, C. C. Parr, B. F. Donald, W. H. Harris, Z. J. 
harmonson, Tipp Woods, John D. Thomason. 

Ponder : Charley Wakefield, E. M. Brown, J. A. Baker, S. D. 
aw, George Harshaw, C. N. Skaggs, M. L. Simmons, George 
wens. Doctor J. L. Gammill. 

Roanoke: W. F, Cunningham, Henry Medlin, J. R. Cade, 
Dhn Gillespie, Guy Foster, M. H. Mayfield, C. B. Stone, Lee Lit- 
iy, R. A. Carruth. 

Stony: J. R. Schoolfield, William Burrows, R. M. Gibbs, 
'octor S. P. Odell, W. P. Green. 

Garza: M. L. Chandler, W. H. Holloway, J. M. Swisher, 
. L. Cornwell, Doctor Taylor, J. D. Morris, G. W. L. Shahan. 

Little Elm: Squire R. H. Clark, A. W. Robertson, Luther 
[cReynolds, Lara Harris, John Button, F. L. Hardwick, Sam 
eynolds, Peyton Orr, George Button. 

Bartonville: J. R. Chambers, Doctor W, H. Jolly, Allen 
;ing, J. R. Koakley, Jim McQuinn. 

The old settlers at this meeting noted the death of forty-one 
f their comrades during the year at an average age of seventy 
ears and seven months. 

The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: 
.. C. Owsley, president; Ed F. Bates, secretary; F. M. Ready, 
levi Ballew, J. H. Donald, John Harmonson, vice-presidents; 
lason Russell, J. M. Gary, R. H. Clark, J. R. Chambers, J. E. 
;uster, Henderson Hughes, executive committee; Ed F. Bates, 
r. P. Davis, A. W. Robertson, Clem Sullivan, T. A. Robinson, 
ohn R. Edwards, A. J. Fonts, committee on memories. 



180 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



We re^-et that on account of the loss of the records of 1 
Association, we are not able to give the roll of members and 1 
officers during the early history of the Association. 

The following list of old settlers registered their name. „ 
the year that they came to Denton County, and attended one 
more of the last five annual meetings held by the Associatic 

William Hubh' 
J. W. Hawkin. 
A. Jasper, 
J. M. McKinn' 



1844— 

Mrs. J. H. Sullivan. 

Mrs. J. C. Wright, 
1845— 

C. R. Green. 
1846— 

Jack Chowning. 
1847— 

Doctor T. R. Allen, 

Jesse Loving, 

J. W. Medlin, 

G. W. Medlin. 

W. I. N. Roark, 
1848— 

J. H. Graham. 
1850— 

Boone Daugherty, 

Mrs. Julia Kendall. 

L. L. Roark, 

Clayton Rodgers, 
1851— 

Rev. Eugene T. Bates 

Ed F. Bates, 

Mrs. J. B. Duncan, 

Mrs. L. D. Hudson. 

Mrs. Gus King. 

Mrs. Mary H. Keen, 

Mrs. B. A. Smith, 

Mrs. N. A. Witt, 
1852— 

J. A. Freeman, 

Sim B. McQuinn. 

Pej-ton Orr, 

Jasper M. Roark, 

Charles L. Smith, 

C. A. Williams, 



1853— 

R. H. Bates, 
Mrs. S. J. Button, 
Richard Clark, 



Capt. Sam V. Lusk, 

Dan Meridith, 

Mrs. Melissa Ready. 

F. R. Sutton, 
1854— 

W. B. Brown, 

J. F. Chinn, 

B. F. Donald, 

Tom Degan, 

J. H. Donald, 

T. S. Hayes. 

Bob Johnson, 

Jesse N. Jones, 

F. M. Ready, 
1855— 

John Boyd, 

J. P. Brumley, 

D. S. Donald, 

Mrs. A. H. Gee, 

Mrs. C. W. Geers, 

D. C. Hastings, 

Wess McCombs, 

George McCombs, 

Nat Rector, 

S. B. Tabor, Sr. 

Lucy A. Waide. 
1856— 

A. T. Bates, 

M. L. Cope, 

Press W. Colier, 

J. 0. Davis, 

Mrs. M. R. Gilbert, 



Mrs. Janie Re- 
C. M. Sullivan, 
J. D. Sullivan, 
J. H. Sullivan. 

1857— 

W. A. Burnell, 
Levi G. Ballew, 
W. P. Baxter, 
W. S. Beavers, 
M. L. Chandler, 
Peter Clark, 
I. D. Ferguson, 
John Greener, 
J. N. Knight, 
J. C. Kearley, 
Charley Lacy, 
R. M. McKinney 
Mrs. Bettie Withfl 

1858— 
Alec Coker, ! 

Dr. W. H. Cowail 
Jack Fouts, j 

W. T. Fouts, 
H. T. Forester, 
Dug Higgins, 
T. F. Jasper, 
H. C. Key, 
T. H. Kealy, 
Jim Morris, 
J. L. Parker, 
A. Wa>Tie Robci-t 
G. W. Sullivan. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



181 



J. W. Sullivan, 
:. M. Sullivan, 
Toe Sullivan. 

r. P. Bowles, 
tesse Broiles, 
jF. M. Crowley, 
|r. E. Christal, 
Dan Crites, 
W. H. Daniels, 
b. W. Elbert, 
\V. F. Egan, 
W. S. Fry, 
r. W. Fry, 
J. N, Ferguson, 
G. H. Fowler, 
h C. Gose, 

D. Harmonson, 
B. B. Howell, 
G. H. Lawler, 

VIrs. Missouri Medlin, 
John Martin, 
J. T. Medlin, 
W. H. McNeil, 
W. P. Minor. 
Al. J. Nance, 

E. A. Robinson, 
Homer Smoot, 
W. B. Turner, 
W. S. Tyson, 

0. S. Wilkins, 

D. L. Wilkins, 
rom Young, 

50— 

Virgil A. Cruse, 

A.ndy Crawford, 

V. S. Dudley, 

J. A. Hawk, 

J. C. Hawk, 

R. R. Litsey, 

Mrs. Sallie Owsley, 

E. B. Peter, 



W. A. Pitts, 
R. N. Taylor, 
J. D. Wayne, 

1861— 
J. T. Aired, 
J. D. Bates, 
W. R. Carrelton, 
Jim Degan, 
J. S. Everly, 
Mrs. Laura Howard, 
J. P. Knox, 
Mrs. Jennie McNeil, 
Mrs. A. E. McMurray. 
Joe Ready, 
J. N. Stover, 
J. J. Sullivan, 
John Sublett, 
J. D. Sullivan, Jr., 
G. A. Townley, 
J. M. Waide, 
Jim Yeakley, 

1862— 
W. C. Foster, 
W. P. Green, 
J. A. Hudson, 
R. H. Lee. 
George E. Light, 
Mrs. J. E. McWhorter 
J. E. Sullivan, 
E. E. Tabor, 
J. M. Weeks, 

1863— 

John R. Edwards, 

J. P. Elmore, 

J. S. J. Gober, 

Sam Hawkins, 

A. M, Lester, 

G. W. Manasco, 

Mrs. E. B. Peter. 

Mrs. W. C. Wright, 
1864— 

M. L. Manasco, 



M. E. Wilson, 

1865— 

G. P. Davis, 

M. Booker Edwards, 

Mart Inrnan, 

J. M. Jones. 

Jim Jones, 

Rev. Robert Keith, 

Mason Russell, 

Mrs. J. N. Rayzor, 

F. M. Wilson, 

1866— 

Jack Ashlock, 
Mrs. L. G. Ballew, 
John Button, 
Mrs. J. R. Christal, 
J. H. Crawford, 
J. W. Ferguson, 
John French, 
L. G. Harris, 
Dan Inman, 
Cal Inman, 
E. F. Lafferty, 
B. W. McReynolds, 
John W. Million, 
M. L. Mathews. 
Mrs. Sallie Puckett, 
J. F. Reynolds, 
Mrs. N. J. Rue, 
• C. C. Sullivan, Jr., 
B. F. Witt, 

1867— 

Mrs. S. A. Bushey, 
W. S. Beavers, 
Sam T. Higgins, 
M. S. Henry, 
L. G. Harris, 
B. W. Hudson, 
Delo Mathews, 
John Mann, 
M. L. Mathews, 
Tom P. Payne, 
B. W. Reynolds, 



182 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



I-. O. Shusrart, 
.1. M. Stover, Jr., 
J. S. Wheeler, 
P. C. Withers, 

F. S. Wilson. 
1868— 

K. Aired. 
W. D. Burk, 
J. L. Heck. 
J. A. Craw f on! , 
Dr. J. M. Inse, 
S. I. Newton, 

G. W. Newton, 
J. H. Paine. 
W. C. Smith, 

186t)— 

Jim Baker. 

J. C. Brannon, 

J. R. Byroni, 

D. B. Crouch. 

Robert Donald, 

Gordon Elmore, 

G. W. Elbert. 

J. M. Evans, 

Newton Hayes. 

Mrs. Laura Houk, 

S. R. Lane. 

Dr. G. D. Lane. 

Mrs. N. H. Lane, 

J. M. Mathews. 

J. P. McCrary, 

R. L. McReynoIds. 

Dr. S. McReynoIds, 

Marshall Nance, 

Billy Ready, 

H. L. Richardson, 

Ben Sullivan, 

A. C. Wilson. 
1870— 

Mrs. J. O. Bell, 

John Cleveland, 

R. N. Cochrane, 

J. W. Curtis, 



Jack Fry, 
Jim Goode, 
E. E. Grace, 
J. F. Gullige, 
C. A. Hankin.^, 
G. W. Hennen, 
It. H. Hoffman, 
Sam McCombs, 
J. C. McCreary. 
W. B. McKinney, 
-Mns. M. E. Millipan, 
J. C. Parr. 
Dr. J. C. Rice, 
S. C. Sartin, 

C. H. Smith. 
J. T. Smith. 
William Smith, 
W. E. Smoot. 
Sam South. 
Mrs. Stockard. 
W. C. LTndenvood, 
Farmer W^ells, 
W. T. Wilks, 

1871— 

Mrs. Nannie Bass, 
Mrs. Mollie Bates, 
E. A. Brewer, 
Dr. E. J. Brock, 
Dr. 0. C. Buster, 
J. E. Buster, 
Tom Eubanks. 
P. Foster. 
J. M. Gilbert. 
J. R. Jones. 
T. N. Laseter, 
W'. B. McKinney. 
W. B. Montgomery. 
J. N. Murrell. 
B. F. Paschall. 
Mrs. Ada Poling, 
Perrj- Poling. 

D. Price, 



S. C. Sartin, 
J. I. Simmons, 
(;. M. Stewart, 
W. H. Stockard, 
J. M. Smith, 
Dr. T. N. H. Wylie. 
1872— 
J. W. Austin, 
George Coppage. 

C. L. Edward.^. 
George Farmer, 
A. H. Gee. 

W. P. Green (Stony 

F. L. Green, 
Tom Lowrey, 
William McCreale.<;s, 
John McKinney. 

G. R. McLcod. 

F. M. Price, 
William Smith, 
W. C. LTnderwood. 

G. A. L'nderwood, 
J. P. Williams. 

1873— 
J. H. Addington, 
J. W. Childs. 
G. W. Hayden. 
F. M. McCoy. 
Mrs. Lon McGintie, 
Wesley Morrow, 

D. J. Moffit. 
A. C. Owsley, 
Green Parkey, 
R. L. Peters. 
H. L. Peters. 

L. B. Richardson. 
J. B. Shelton, 
J. F. Wilkerson, 
1874— 
J. C. Carson, 
J. H. Christal, 
J. C. Christal, 
S. L. Davis, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



183 



W. C. Dickson, 
G. A. Douglas, 
A. B. Fincher, 
George A. Fore, 
F. M. Griffith, 
Robert H. Hopkins, 
Mrs. Mary McKnight, 

F. 0. McReynolds, 
J. C. Parr, 

Mrs. A. J. Pass, 
A. J. Pass, 
J. L. Rudell, 
E. Richardson, 
A. L. Sconce. 

D. H. Street, 

G. A. Tisdal, 

E. P. Wilks, 

875— 
Mrs. Eva Atkins, 
Rev. N. P. Baker, 
N. C. Bates, 
T. J. Brashears, 
P. G. Cantrell, 
J. T. Cartwright, 
J. E. Chambers, 
J. R. Chambers, 
Sol Carpenter, 
J. T. Fitch. 
William Fletcher, 
Joe S. Gambill, 
Mrs. Mollie Green, 
W. H. Hodges, 
J. E. Jackson, 
J. T. M. Jones, 
Mrs. J. N. Kealy, 
W. J. Lamb, 
A. R. McDonald, 
James Medlin, 
J. A. Orr, 
J. M. Pickle, 
W. H. Pierce, 
A. Porter, 
T. E. Ratchford, 



A. C. Stewart, 
• J. C. Thomas, 

J. B. Woodrum, 
1876— 

P. L. Alexander, 

A. F. Bates, 

W. E. Bradley, 

T. F. Burge, 

J. C. Carter, 

Eli Coffey, 

A. Coffey, 
C. N. Ellis, 
J. T. Elbert, 
J. M. Etter, 
L. Fulton. 

John A. Harmonson, 

B. F. Hayden, 
J. Hendrix, 

M. W. Johnson, 
Mrs. M. L. King, 
T. G. Lacy, 
S. J. Lane (Corinth) 
George E. Light, 
S. A. Lobdell, 
David Martin, 
Norman Mayes, 
Mrs. Clara McCombs, 

C. E. Mercer, 
Jack Merrett, 
W. C. Orr, 

C. W. Ready, 
W. F. Ross, 
Henry Seltz, 
T. L. Simpson, 
A. L. Smith, 
W. H. Stone, 
Sam H. Sullivan, 
A. L. Tabor, 
William Wallace, 
Mrs. C. C. Yancy, 
1877— 

T. S. Atchison. 
J. 0. Bell, 



T. R. Brand, 
William Burrows, 
I. E. Cain, 
M. L. Chandler, 
Frank Craft, 
T. L. Dorris, 
J. A. Elder, 
Green Flake, 
L. T. Fox, 
J. P. Hampton, 
R. H. Hopkins, 
Chris Jacobson, 
W. H. Ledbetter, 
J. R. Newberry, 
T. E. Peacock, 
J. C. Selman, 
J. M. Sitz, 
Nat Wilks, 
B. P. Woodrum, 
Jonathan Woods, 
Tom Wright, 

1878— 

M. L. AiTiold, 
V. C. Atkins, 
R. S. Barnes, 
Mrs. Loma Briggs, 
William Bruce, 
T. F. Burge, 
L. T. Camp. 
E. Cobberly, 
Dr. E. W. Fritz, 
Mrs. C. R. Gatewood, 
P. F. Jones, 
Jim W. Maxwell, 
W. D. Milliken, 
Alley Minnerly, 
Bishop Neely, 
Mrs. M. M. Peters, 
B. E. Ready, 
G. W. Riley, 
D. T. Shirley, 
Miss Frankie Taylor, 
George W, Vaughn, 



184 



mSTOIiV OF DKNTON COUNTY 



187»— 

H. H. Bamum, 
S. M. Black. 
W. R. Curtis. 
A. M. Daugherty, 
W. C. Davis. 
J. T. Donald. 
S. L. Echolds, 
J. W. Erwin, Sr., 
O. L. Hamilton, 
H. V. Hennen. 
P. L. Higgins. 
J. H. Johnson, 
M. M. McFall, 
J. T. Moore, 
Mrs. Carrie Nix, 
William Paisley. 
F. Peipleman, 
Joel A. Rhodes, 
J. T. Robinson, 
F. A. Webb, 
Mrs. Sue Wilkins. 
W. C. Wilson. 

1880— 

W. F. Autrey, 

T. J. Batis, 

F. C. Blackwell, 

S. L. Brown, 

F. W. Burge, 

Ned Cobb, 

Charley Cocanougher 

Charley Cox, 

Billy Cunningham. 

J. F. Cunningham. 

J. H. Cunningham. 

Mrs. M. Edgar, 

J. A. Fisher. 

J. W. Gary, 

J. M. Gar>', 

T. N. Hampton, 

C. E. Malone. 

J. W. Owenby, 

J. L. Roberts, 



W. Smith, 

T. M. Teasley, 

F. E. Tobin, 

J. W. Underwood, 

C. C. Whitlo.-k. 

1881— 

E. M. Arnold, 
Sam Bayless, 
Mrs. W. E. Durbin, 
Dr. J. R. Edwards, 
J. L. Florence, 

S. S. Freeman, 
S. T. Freeman, 

F. L. Higgins, 
Mrs. Julia Jones. 
Len Kealy, 

C. C. Lentis, 
H. R. Lyon, 
J. M. McCracken, 
J. M. McLendon, 
Charley Mentzen, 
Bob Newton. 
S. C. Oliver, 
J. C. Pitts, 

G. E. Pratt, 

J. P. Williams, 

1882— 

Rev. C. F. Buchanan. 
Mrs. M. Buchanan. 
W. E. Calvert. 
B. G. Crawford, 
Homer Edwards, 
W. C. Farrington, 
R. L. Fowler, 
J. W. Hall, 
J. L. Hensley, 
J. W. Hill, 
W. Fred Hill, 
S. J. McQuinn, 
Tom G. Milliken, 
J. A. Minnerly, 
G. L. McLenden, 
Mrs. J. D. Parks. 



O. C. PasK, 
Lee Phillips, 
T. A. Robinson, 
J. C. Williams, 
U. Wilson, 
1883— 
C. E. Barton. 

B. W. Brown, 
Mrs. W. A. Cash, 
John Cashion, 

F. M. Craddock, 
W. E. Durbin, 

G. W. Dyche, 
John A. Hann, 
J. W. Lysles, 

Mrs. Stella Stover, 
W. N. Yerby, 
1884— 

W. B. Brown, Jr., 

C. H. Davie, 
M. M. Davis, 
J. D. Decker, 
William Dyche. 
M. F. Hampton, 
B. F. Hayburn. 
George M. Hopkins, 
J. M. Knight, 

J. T. Marshall, 
J. W. Meador. 
Mrs. S. C. Meador. 
Rev. J. J. Moore, 
J. P. Sebastian, 
Miss Belle Sebastian, 
John Sexour, 
J. S. Stover, 
• J. A. Smith, 
John M. Taylor, 
Jet Tobin, 

J. E. Wilson, J 

W. T. Wilson, 
1885— 
Mrs. Hattie BottorflF, 
J. N. Clark, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



185 



frs. John Cleveland, 

; C. Coit, 

/illiam Doyle. 

Irs, J. W. Erwin, Sr. 

. W. Erwin, Jr., 

I. L. Ford, 

Irs. Ada Forester, 

'rench Hardwick, 

ohn Heath, 

!, 0. Hudson, 



J. F. Maxwell, 

Mrs, Bettie McLeod, 

J, L, Park, 

Boyd Randall, 

J. C. Sims, 

F. E. Tobin, Jr., 

Jet Tobin, 

F, A. Webb, 

Miss Lee Williams, 



1886— 

J. P. Burge, 
H. Freeman, 
E. J. Grimes, 
A. C. Halbert, 
J. B. Hobson. 
S. P. Oliver, 
Mrs. Sue Riddle, 
Ed Sebastian, Jr., 



Old settlers to the number of 615 have reported. 




J. H, HUGHES 

MEMBER OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTE, 
OLD SETTLERS' AND VETERANS' ASSOCIATION 



CHAl^EU XII 

Public Free Schools 

We never had liee schools in Denton County prior to 186 
Our early schools were "subscription schools." They were ge; 
erally three-month schools, taught in the summer months am 
called summer schools. The common branches only were tau;'* 
such as reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic. The stud( 
paid $1.25 to $1.50 per month tuition, and would go early in th( 
morning and stay all day. 

We had about eight schools of this class in the count\ ii 
1860, and it was no uncommon thing to see boys and girls ridini 
six and eight miles to school. The county was so thinly settles 
that we could not support the schools otherwise, and our pconli 
then, as a rule, were not enthusiastic school men. They belit 
in spelling, reading, and writing, and beyond that point the nia 
jority did not care to go. Spelling was the hobby and we oftei 
had public spelling matches, at which Webster's BIiw Bad 
Speller was often spelled through. 

The history of the public schools reaches back beyond tin 
the history of Texas as a state. Public schools were first pro 
vided for by the constitution of Coahuila-Texas of 1824, know! 
as the Mexican constitution. The "Lancasterian School System' 
was adopted May 13, 1829 by decree No. 92. Article No. 7 o: 
this decree, or law, provides "That teachers shall instruct th( 
pupils in reading, writing, arithmetic, the dogma of the Catholii 
religion, and all of Ackerman's Catechism of Artfi and Sciences.* 

The Roman Catholics were willing for free schools if the] 
were "Romanized," and the people were not satisfied with this in 
fringement upon their religious liberties. 

At the first convention of colonists ever held in the State 



t: 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 187 

hich convened in the town of San Felipe, October 1, 1832, com- 
losed of forty-six delegates from the various colonies, the ques- 
lion of public free schools was considered paramount as an issue, 
d Luke Lesassier, William McFarlane, William Manafee, Sam- 
el Bruff, and Thomas Hastings, were appointed to draw a peti- 
ion to the State government of Coahuila-Texas for a donation 
f land to Texas for the purpose of creating a fund for the future 
stablishment of primary schools and report the same to the con- 
ention. This was done, but to no purpose. 

The Protestants were not permitted to build or own churches, 
/hey were not permitted to marry people, and not permitted to 
ave public free schools that had not been Romanized. 

A convention met at Washington, Texas, on Tuesday, March 

, 1836, and issued a declaration of independence and a committee 

as appointed to draft a constitution for the Republic of Texas. 

n their report of their grievances against the Mexican govern- 

fient they made these statements : 

'Tt has failed to establish any pubUc system of education, 
Ithough possessed of almost boundless resources [the public 
omain], and although it is an axiom in political science, that, 
nless a people are educated and enlightened it is idle to expect 
lie continuance of civil liberty or the capacity for self-govern- 
lient. 

It has denied us the right of worshipping the Almighty, 
Iccording to the dictates of our own consciences, by the support 
f a national religion calcuated to promote the temporal interests 
f its human functionaries rather than the glory of the true and 
Iving God." 

In their proposed constitution, which was adopted. Section 
/, reads: "It shall be the duty of the Congress, as, soon as cir- 
lumstances will permit, to provide by law, a general system of 
ducation." 

The Fourth Congress of the Republic on March 26, 1839, 
)assed an act setting aside to each county three leagues of land 
or free schools (4,428 4-10 acres to a league or 13,285 acres to 
lach county), to be located by the county surveyor under the or- 



188 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



der of the county commissioners, and fifty leagues (221,400 
acres) were set aside for two colleges or universities thereafter 
to be established, to be located by a surveyor directed by the 
President. (This was for the University of Texas and the A. & 
M. College.) 

On February 5, 1840, Congress passed an act making the 
chief justice and two associate justices the school commissioners 
for each county, and charging them with the duty of locating 
and handling their county's school land. 

In 1845, the Republic of Texas was admitted to the Union. 
By the Compromise of 1850, Texas received from the United 
States $10,000,000 in settlement of her claim to a part of the 
territory of New Mexico. Out of this sum was paid the public 
debt of the Republic of Texas, and the remainder of the money 
was set aside as a permanent free school fund, of which only the 
interest could be used, and called the "Available Free School 
Fund." 

This school fund was invested in United States bonds and in 
H. & T. C. Railroad bonds. After the war the railroad tried 
to avoid payment of its bonds upon the grounds of having ten- 
dered the State Confederate money (which tender was made after 
the collapse of the Confederacy). The remainder of the fund 
was invested in United States bonds, the interest on which was 
collected and remained undistributed in the treasury. 

The State seceded from the Union and the Reconstruction 
Legislature took charge of the school funds, sold most of t^^-^ 
United States bonds and paid the expenses of the appoint 
State officers and the legislature out of the permanent school 
fund of Texas. The remainder was so small that but little was 
available. 

The Reconstruction constitution of 1869 provided in Article 
IX, section 1 : "It shall be the duty of the legislature of this 
State to make suitable provisions for the support and mainte- 
nance of a system of public free schools, for the gratuitous in- 
struction of all the inhabitants of this State between the ages 
of six and eighteen years of age." 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 189 

The Eleventh Legislature on November 1, 1866, passed an 
act authorizing the police court of Denton County to sell the coun- 
ty's school lands and invest the proceeds in bonds. (Denton 
County lands had not at this time been located.) 

The Twelfth Legislature on August 13, 1870, passed a bill 
creating the public free school system of Texas. Section 8 pro- 
vides that no sectarian doctrine shall be taught in the public 
free schools. 

The same body in called session on April 24, 1871, amended 
the school system by defining the Available School Fund to be 
as follows: "All interest which has accrued or may hereafter 
accrue to the school fund from railroad bonds or otherwise, since 
the 13th day of March, 1870, and one-fourth of all the ad valorem 
and occupation taxes assessed since that date, and such other 
taxes as have been, or may be, provided by law for the support 
of public schools." 

Section 6 of that act provided for compulsory attendance of 
the students for at least four months in the year and penalizing 
the parent or guardian for a failure of the student to attend, pro- 
vided nonattendance was due to ill health, to there being no 
school within three miles, or to danger of hostile Indians. Chil- 
dren under ten years old could not be compelled to travel over 
one mile to school. Compulsory attendance was never enforced 
in Denton County and that feature of the law was soon repealed. 
(It was to be enacted again in a modified form by the Legisla- 
ture of 1915 and to be effective September, 1916.) 

At this period (1870) the question of public free schools in 
Denton County was freely discussed, and the people were divided 
on the subject. We deem it proper to briefly state the grounds 
of division. 

The objectors to the free school system contended that it 
was not just and right to collect an ad valorem and poll tax from 
A, who had no children, to educate B's children, nor to appropri- 
ate the public domain, which belonged to A and B equally, to the 
exclusive benefit of B's children. 

B justified the act upon the grounds that the perpetuity of 



190 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

our free republican form of government depended upon the virtue 
and intelligence of our citizenship, and that .4 and B alike shared 
the blessings of good government. 

But upon the question of compulsory education the issues 
were on different grounds, and B become the objector on the 
ground that the family government was the unit of government, 
that is was the inherent right of the parents to rule, and that 
they had not delegated to the State the power of control, except in 
the school room, while A contended that the parents, in accepting 
the school fund on behalf of the child, made the child the ward of 
the government, and that he should not be permitted to thwart 
the purposes of the government by nonattendance, as all would be 
affected alike by bad government. We have passed through a 
period of foi'ty years and have again entered upon compulsory 
education, and the masses of the people will have to pass upon ii 

The Thirteenth Legislature passed an act on March 18, 1873, 
setting aside one-half of the public domain for public free schools. 
It was asserted that many of the counties were yet to receive 
their three leagues of land, when they should be organized, and 
that the public domain would then be gone, and that the new 
counties would not get their land, and that the Eleventh and 
Twelfth Legislatures had squandered the public domain on rail- 
roads, which land should have been kept for public free schools. 

On March 15, 1875, the Legislature passed an act whereby 
the several incorporated cities and towns in the State were 
given authority to assume control over the public free schools 
within their limits, to build schoolhouses and to provide for the 
giatuitous education of all children therein, receiving their part 
of the public free school fund. The law was subsequently amend- 
ed to allow them to levy by vote one-half of one per cent, ad va- 
lorem tax for school maintenance and to elect a board of seven 
trustees. 

Denton County, from some cause unexplained, had not lo- 
cated her school land, though entitled to same when organized 
in 1846. 

In 1878, with C. C. Scruggs, county judge, and J. A. Fry, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 191 

. C. Wright, M. W. Deavenport, and A. J. Nance as commission- 
rs, the court ordered and employed Mr, EHjah Biggerstaif to 
urvey and plot the Denton County school lands, which they 
Dcated not far from Wichita Falls, in Wichita County. 

Judge Scruggs, as agent, sold the lands, mostly in bulk, for 
1.15 per acre to a Northern syndicate. After surveying fees 
,nd sales commissions were deducted, the net amount of $1.05 
•er acre, or $13,500, was received for said lands, which sum was 
avested in Denton County bonds bearing four and five per cent, 
nterest, which amounted to about $585.00 per annum. This 
,mount is prorated among the schools of the county and amounts 
o about seven cents per capita at this time. 

These commissioners had to subdivide the county into con- 
enient school districts and inaugurate the free school system. 
?he county judge was made ex-officio county superintendent and 
Lad the supervision of the public free schools in Denton County 
mtil 1912, when the office of county superintendent was created. 

The percentage of illiteracy was great in Denton County 
►rior to the war. No ratio was known. Our schools were small 
ubscription schools, generally three-month schools, taught in 
"une, July, and August, and not well attended. 

When the war and Reconstruction were over, new hopes and 
Lspirations came to the people, and the interest in schools was re- 
ived. Many small country schools were established in the coun- 
y and they were considerably improved in time, attendance, and 
urriculum. 

At Bethel, about one-half mile over the line in Collin County, 
lev. William Allen established a splendid private school in 1866, 
n which he taught the higher branches for nine months in the 
'■ear.- Many students came from a distance and attended his 
ichool. His was a subscription school and he gave credit to 
itudents for their pro rata of the free school fund and to that ex- 
ent made it a free school. He had several assistant teachers 
vho taught the primary grades while he taught the higher 
grades. His school would class with the high schools of today. 



192 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



I 

de 

si:' 



The school was unique because it was the only school of its grade 
in the country. 

At Denton a series of schools was conducted by J. S. Ric 
ardson, C. C. Bell, J. S. Chapman, E. B. Keyte and others. Thesi 
schools were taught in the Masonic Hall and gradually improved 
until they were called high schools and were doing a splendid 
work, but they were subscription schools and soon gave way to 
the public free schools. The city of Denton up to 1883 had no 
regular free schools. There were several private schools and all 
gave credit for the free school fund. 

In the summer of 1882 the question of levying a tax and 
having a nine-month free school was agitated. The result was 
that bonds were sold and the first school building was erectec^ 
W. S. Parker was the architect, and T. W. Abney and F. ]\il 
Faught, the building committee. The structure was a three-story 
brick and cost about $15,000 (the proceeds of the bond sale). 
In this building Professor Morgan H. Looney taught a four- 
month school in 1884. The school fund would not justify i 
longer term. 

Professor E. F. Comeigys and his faculty, E. B. Keyte, R. T 
Yeates, Miss Ella Hundley, Miss Alice Finer, Miss Dena Cobb 
Mrs. Helen Smith, Miss Naomi Baker, Miss Etta Jones, and Misr 
Maggie Morgan, taught the school of 1885 and had five hundra 
students. In 1888 the enrollment was 570 students. Rapid prfj 
gress had been made, and in 1894 the school was affiliated witt 
the State University, with Professor E. B. Keyte and the follovi' 
ing faculty at the helm : A. F. Heltman, J. L. McReynolds, J. A 
Conway, Miss Berta Inge, Mrs. Bishop Neely, Miss Ada Terril 
Miss Salena Burris, Miss Nannie Cook, Miss Sena Mounts, Mis 
Etta Jones, Miss Kate Karnes, Mrs. Hogg, and Miss Tip Dry* 

All private schools yielded to the public demand for publi 
education and retired from the field. The energies of the peop. 
of the county have been united and concentrated, and the fr( 
schools standardized and graded to secure efficiency. Speci; 
taxes have been levied in most of the districts of the county, ai 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 



192 




J. W. BEATY 

SUPERINTENDENT DENTON CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 



i;>4 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



\ 



good buildings, as a rule, have been provided. The Legislature 
has continually labored to perfect the free school system. 

A period of two more decades has passed. On the campus 
of the old John B. Denton College we now have a handsome, com- 
modious Denton City High School Building, an annex, and a gym- 
nasium. In addition we have four ward schools — the Robei-t 
E. Lee, the Stonewall Jackson, the Sam Houston, and the Fred 
Douglass (colored) schools. The school board consists of the fol- 
lowing individuals: D. K. Allison, president; R. P. Lomax, vice- 
president ; W. L. McCormick, secretary ; R. E. Turner, G. T. Tur- 
ner, W. E. Smoot, E. D. Griddle, J. M. Gurley. The scholastic 
enrollment is 1,942. J. W. Beaty is superintendent of the Denton 
City Public Schools, and his faculty is as follows : 

High School — J. L. Jackson, principal, history. A. Logan, 
mathematics and bookkeeping. Miss Ella May Underwood, . 
sistant in mathematics. Miss Edna McCormick. English. ^M 
Lillian Walker, assistant in English. E. H. Farrington, Lai 
and assistant in science. Miss Norma Smith, physical education 
and assistant in Latin. C. M. Mizell. science. Miss Mattie Lee 
Underwood, assistant in history. ]\Irs. L. E. Nelson, assistant 
in history and English. Miss Elizabeth Storrie, domestic econo- 
my. Miss Ethel Simmons, German. 

R. E. Lee School — J. E. Park, principal, arithmetic and phy- 
siology, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. Miss Mattie Bro\\Ti, 
English, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. Miss Lottie Brashears, 
history and spelling, fifth, sixth, and seventh gi'ades. Miss Leah 
Owens, geography and writing, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. 
Miss Sybil Aldridge, low fifth. Miss Golden Lacy, low and high 
fourth. Miss Willie Mae Slaughter, high third and low fourth. 
Miss Ollie Kerley, low third. Miss Gertrude McReynolds, low and 
high second. Miss Ara Gant, high first and low second. Miss 
Juanita Hayes, high first. Miss Effie Sledge, low first. 

Stonewall Jackson School — W. A. Combest, principal, arith- 
metic and physics, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. Miss Odessa 
Swindell, history and geography, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. 
Miss Irma Bruce, English, fifth, sixth, and seventh gi*ades. Miss 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



195 



j]lise Porter, fourth grade. Miss Phoebe Goode, third grade, 
^iss Lyle Boone, second grade. Mrs. Ella Kelly, first grade. 

Sam Houston School — W. C. Potter, principal, arithmetic 
md physics, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. Miss Gertrude 
rackson, history and geography, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. 




DENTON CITY HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING 



iiiss Orpha Myers, English, fifth, sixth, and seventh grades. Miss 

Jeryl Skiles, fourth grade. Miss Sammie Boren, third grade. 

diss Mary Bates, second grade. Miss Maida Edwards, first 

^^rade. 

! Fred Douglass School — Fred Moore, principal, seventh, 

dghth, and ninth grades. F. B. Lee, fourth, fifth, and sixth 

grades. Maggie Hampton, first, second, and third grades. 

The combined energies of the county schools for this year 
1917), under the direction of Professor Homer Edwards as 
ounty superintendent, give the following results : 



19G HISTORY OF DENTON COrXTV 



There are eighty-one common school districts and seven i 
independent school districts in the county. One district has no > 
special tax levy, thirty-two have a fifty-cent levy, and the remain- 
der have a levy of about twenty-five cents. The scholastic age > 
is from seven to eighteen. There are 9,753 white scholastics 
and 367 colored, or a total of 10,120 scholastics. The State ap- 
propriation this year is $7.00 per capita, or $70,840, supplemented 
by the district taxation. The amount of $8,500 came to Denton 
County last scholastic year out of the State's special $1,000,000 
appropriation for the rural schools. There have been twenty- 
five rural schools consolidated since last year. There are about 
135 rural school teachers in the county. 

The county began electing county superintendents in 1912. 
The office has been filled by W. L. Willis. J. W. Beaty, J. J. 
McCook. A. L. Nowlin, and Homer Edwards. 

The North Texas State Normal College ( 

The city of Denton determined to establish a college for 
higher education, fiom the proceeds of a bond issue, to be taught 
as a private school and to be maintained by subscriptions. 

On September 8, 1890, $15,000 of schoolhouse bonds No. -^ 
were issued and sold, and a ten-acre campus secured. W. S. 
Parker received the contract to build the house. On February 21, 
1891, the corner stone was laid with Masonic honors by S. M. 
Bradley, G. M., J. W. Cook, G. S. W., M. S. Stout, G. J. W., J. M. 
Roark, G. Treasurer, and E. F. Comeigys. Grand Marshal of the 
Grand Lodge of Texas. A.F.«S: A.M., assisted by J. R. McCormick, 
W. M.; 0. P. Poe, S. W.; W. L. Reynolds. J. W.; J. S. Chapman, 
secretary; J. A. Allen, Sr. D. ; J. W. Underwood. Jr. D. of Stan- 
field Lodge No. 217. A great concourse of people assembled at 
the City Hall and marched to the grounds, led by the Masons, the 
city officials, and Professor J. C. Chilton's school. The ceremonies 
were very impressive. This building was erected near the presi- 
dent's residence, and was destroyed by fire in 1907. 

The mayor, J. A. Carroll, and the city council, on behalf of 
the city, had contracted with Professor J. C. Chilton to teach a 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 197 



line-month school of a certain grade, with a stipulated minimum 
ijnrollment and a specified annual increase. Professor Chilton 
')rganized his school in the fall of 1890 in temporary quarters 
'intil the building was completed. His contract was for five 
|t^ears, but was forfeited at the end of the third year on account 
|)f failure of enrollment. 

Professor Minter B. Terrell then entered into a more liberal 
contract as to attendance and his faculty was composed of the 
following: Professor J. A. Saunders, Professor 0. M. Thurman, 
md Mrs. M. B. Terrell. The school, in a measure, was more suc- 
bessful but was still hampered with a short subscription list and 
a,n inadequate maintenance fund. 

By mutual consent, the city of Denton sought to change the 
ichool to a State public free school, and through our State senator, 
he Hon. E. C. Smith, submitted a proposition to the Twenty- 
Sixth Legislature of Texas, which was accepted. 

THE BEGINNING 

The College was created by an act of the Twenty-sixth Leg- 
islature, on March 31, 1899, the city of Denton donating to the 
State a plot of ten acres, and the building belonging to the school 
'previously known as the North Texas Normal College. 

The school was opened for registration on September 18, 1901 
with about two hundred matriculates, and a faculty of fourteen 
members, including the President. 

I PURPOSE 

The purpose of the school is, in the language of the statutes 
creating it, "for the special training of teachers." 

Wherever a system of education is maintained inefficiency 
of the teaching force is expensive from a strictly financial view- 
point. Inefficiency is always extravagant and wasteful. State 
normal schools have been the natural outgrowth of the policy 
of public education. 

The purpose of a normal school is to educate teachers, to in- 
crease the skill and efficiency of this class of public servants. 
By properly training those to whom the education of the children 



198 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



of the public schools is to be entrusted not only is the investmen 
of the public school fund made more profitable, but the busines; 
of teaching is made more professional and respectable, in all it' 
aspects, retaining in its ranks for a longer time a greater numbei 
of the intellectually strong and capable. The unskilled and un 
trained seldom love their vocation ; they lack enthusiasm and in 
spiration ; they fail to acquire power or influence and to feel con 
secration ; and they soon abandon their work for one of less re 
sponsibility. 

It is the province of the normal school to prepare men anc 
women not only to teach subject matter, but to inspire and stimu 
late the pupil from within, to exemplify the character and the cul 
ture whose roots sink deep into the source springs of though 
and feeling. The normal school must have its students compre 
hend the responsibilities of leadership, the principles of mind de 
velopment, the laws that correlate and harmonize the physical 
the mental and the spiritual. 

UNIFORM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS TO ALL 
STATE NORMAL SCHOOLS OF TEXAS 

Previous to the session beginning September, 1917, a stu 
dent applying for entrance to any class of one of the norma 
schools was required to be examined on the work of the nex 
lower class in the course elected. 

Since the standardization of the schools, and the addition o 
two years of college work leading to the bachelor's degree, thi 
normal schools have adopted the American college method fo 
the admission of students. 

1. Uniform Requirements. The requirements for entrant 
to the various classes of the State Normal Schools of Texas an 
uniform, as directed by the State Normal School Board of Re 
gents. 

2. Age. Any person who is sixteen years of age on o 
before January 1 of the school year may enter a State Norma 
School at the beginning of the fall term or at any suitable tinn 
during the school year. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



199 




WILLIAM HERSCHEL BRUCE, Ph. D. 

PRESIDENT NORTH TEXAS STATE NORMAL COLLEGE 



200 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



3. Applicants for entrance to the first year or Freshmai 
class of the Normal department should present a minimum o 
seven admission units as follows: 

Algebra, 1 or 2 units 

Grammar and Composition, 2 units 

History, 1 or 2 units 

Electives sufficient to make 7 units in all. 
An entrance unit is understood to be five recitations pel 
week of forty-five minutes each for thirty-six weeks. The elect- 
ive units may be made up of any subjects offered in an approved 
high school. Mature students over twenty-one years of age may, 
at the direction of the President, be admitted without examina- 
tion to the first year or Freshman class. A second-grade State 
certificate exempts the hold«?r from examination in all the sub- 
jects mentioned except algebra and composition. The comple- 
tion of the nhith grade of an approved high school exempts fron; 
examination for entrance to this class, but graduates of high 
schools of 3B class are given tentative classification, subject tc 
modification or reduction as students do or do not maintair 
satisfactory class standing. 

4. Applicants for entrance to the second year, or Sopho- 
more class, of the Normal department shauld present eleven ad- 
mission units as follows: 

Algebra, 2 units 

Geometry, '4 or 1 unit 

English, 2 units 

History, 2 units 

Electives, 4 or 4i o units. 
Students who desire to pursue language courses must offer 
at least one unit of foreign language. A first-grade State certifi- 
cate exempts from all examination for entiance to this class; a 
permanent primary certificate exempts from all examination in 
all subjects required for entrance to the second year or Sopho- 
more class, except in algebra and geometry of the first year or 
Freshman class; a second-grade State certificate exempts from 
all examinations for entrance in agriculture, physiology, 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 



201 



'eading and school management. The completion of the tenth 
Wade of an affiliated high school, or of an approved high school 
)f 2A and higher classes, exempts from all examination for 
;ntrance to the second year or Sophomore class. Graduate of 
ligh school of 2B class will be given tentative classification, con- 
iitioned on the work of the high school from which they came 
md on the maintenance of satisfactory standing in class by the 
student. 

5. Applicants for entrance to the third year or Junior class 
)f the Normal department should present fourteen standard ad- 
nission units for full admission, twelve being required for con- 
iitional admission. Beginning in September, 1919, fifteen ad- 
mission units will be required for full admission to this class, and 
thirteen units for conditional admission. The following units 
are prescribed for all students : 

English, 3 units 

History, 2 units 

Algebra, 2 units 

Geometry, 1 unit 
Provided, that the students of the History-English Course 
must offer two units of foreign language, and those of the Lan- 
guage Course two units of a modern language or three units of 
Latin. 



SUBJECTS AND UNITS THAT MAY BE PRESENTED FOR ADMISSION 



English, 3 or 4 
History and Civics: 

Ancient History, 1 

Mediseval and Modem H., 1 

American History, 1 

English History, 1 

Civics, V2 
Mathematics: 

Algebra, 2 

Plane Geometry, 1 

Solid Geometry, V2 

Trigonometry, ^/^ 
Foreign Languages: 

Latin, 2, 3 or 4 

Spanish, 2 or 3 
School Management, V2 
Elementary Psychology V2 



Natural Sciences: 

Biology, 1 

Botany, 1 

Chemistry, 1 

Introduction to Science, 1 

Physics, 1 

Physiography, V2 

Physiology and Hygiene, 1, 2 

Zoology, 1 
Vocational Subjects: 

Agricultural, %-2 

Bookkeeping, 1 

Domestic Art, V2 or JL 

Drawing, % or 1 

Manual Training, V2 or 1 

Stenography and Typewriting, 1 



202 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Holders of first-grade State certificates will receive credit 
for nine units: three in English, two in algebra, one in plane 
geometry, one in ancient history, one in mediaeval and mod- 
ern history, one-half in civics, and one-half in school manage- 
ment. Holders of permanent State teachers' certificates will be 
admitted to the third year or the Junior class. 

6. Advanced College Standing. Applicants for entrance 
to the fourth year or Senior class of ahe Normal department 
(which is the second year of the strictly college course) must 
be examined on the work of the immediately preceding class 
of the course elected by the applicant. 

Students seeking advanced standing on account of work 
done in another college must present a certificate from a normal 
college or other approved institution showing satisfactory com- 
pletion of the work of college rank. In addition thereto he 
should present letters of honorable discharge from such insti- 
tution, and he must meet the standard entrance requirements 
as already described in Section 5. 

Applicants for entrance to the Senior class of the Normal 
department must have completed the full equivalent of one year's 
work of college I'ank in a normal college or other recognized 
college or university. 

Applicants for entrance to the fifth year or Junior College 
class must have completed the equivalent of two years' work 
in a normal college or other recognized college or university. 

7. Adviission as Main re Stvde)ifs. Persons twenty-one 
years of age or over, who are not graduates of standard high 
schools, may. at the discretion of the President of the Normal 
School, be admitted without examination to the college courses. 
In the enforcement of this regulation, especial consideration 
will be given to mature students whose high school training has 
been followed by successful experience in teaching, to students 
who have had other practical preparation, and to those who have 
made special attainments in some particular line. Students ad- 
mitted in this manner will, upon the completion of the Freshman 
college course in English, history, mathematics and science 



I 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 203 

with a grade of C be given credit for the full entrance units in 
these subjects. Other entrance units may be absolved in like 
manner. In all classes, mature students are expected to satisfy 
the standard entrance requirements of fifteen units not later than 
two years after admission. 

8. Time of Examination. Applicants for the first year 
class must be examined upon entrance in all required subjects; 
applicants for admission to other classes must be examined upon 
entrance in the required English, history, mathematics, and 
science, and may defer examinations in other subjects to the 
middle of the session. These regulations apply to students from 
affiliated or accredited high schools, who may be admitted partly 
by examination, as well as students who enter by examination 
solely. 

9. Credits from Other Institutions. Entrance credits for 
work done in any college or university are determined by the 
President of the Normal School. Work completed satisfactorily 
in any one of the Texas State normal schools is fully recognized 
by the others. Those completing the work of the first year in 
one normal school are admitted to the second year class in any 
State normal school in Texas, and similarly to other classes; 
provided, that of the fifteen units required for a certificate, at 
least five must be made in the normal school that issues the 
certificate, and provided also that the entire fifteen units required 
for Normal diplomas must be made in the normal school that is- 
sues the diploma. Only "entrance credits" are given for work 
done in schools other than the Texas State normal schools. 

10. Definition of Unit. In the Normal department, the 
unit of work for the first two years shall be four recitations per 
week for twelve weeks, or forty-eight recitations per term in a 
subject. For each class room hour in the Normal department, 
one and one-fourth (11/4) hours of preparation are expected. 
In college courses the unit of work shall be three recitations 
per week for twelve weeks, or thirty-six recitations per term 
in a subject. For each class room hour, two hours of prepara- 
tion are expectefd. 



204 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



11. The Term's W'orli. The work of a term is five unit^ 
exclusive of regular assignments in physical education. The 
work in physical education is counted as one unit for the yc 
classes meeting at least two times per week. 

12. Credentials. Credentials entitling the holder to l . 
emption from examination must be official statements signed 
by proper authorities. Promotion cards and diplomas from high 
schools and colleges must be accompanied by official statemej"'-^ 
of the work completed by the students, and signed by the sup' 
intendent, principal, or president. Work in a grade partially 
completed is not considered for entrance or credit, 

13. Recognized Colleges. The University of Texas, Bay- 
lor University, Southern Methodist University, Southwestern 
University, Texas Christian University, Trinity University, Ai 
tin College, and Rice Institute are recognized colleges and uni\ > - 
sities, affiliation with which is approved. 

14. Higlt Schools. "Approved" high schools are lh< 
accredited by the State Department of Education; "affiliated" 
high schools are those accredited by the University of Texas 
or other "recognized" institutions. 

For session beginning September, 1917, the normal schools 
recognize the classification issued by the State Superintendent of 
Public Instiuction for Texas, on June 17. in Bulletin No. 64. 

In this bulletin the standard schools are designated A 
schools, and are fully accredited by the Department of Education. 
Those on tentative lists are marked B schools, and are not yet 
fully accredited. 

The State Department of Education recommends the fol- 
lowing credits for graduates of the different classes of schools 
for session 1916-17: 

lA, or Standard Jf-Year High Schools: Fourteen or more 
college entrance units. 

IB, or Probationary ^-Year High Schools: Conditional en- 
trance into Freshman class of universities and Junior class of 
normal schools. (Number of conditions should be determined 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 205 



eparately for each school, according to its standards, but should 
ot be fewer than two or more than four.) 

2A, or Standard 8-Year High Schools: Unconditional en- 
rance into Senior class of lA high schools and Sophomore class 
f normal schools. 

2B, or Probationary 3-Year High Schools: Conditional en- 
rance into Senior class of lA high schools and Sophomore class 
f normal schools. (Number of conditions to be determined 
eparately for each school, according to its standards.) 

3 A, or Standa/rd 2-Year High Schools: Unconditional en- 
rance into Junior class of lA high schools and Freshman class of 
ormal schools. 

3B, or Probationary 2-Year High Schools: Conditional en- 
rance into Junior class of lA schools and Freshman class of 
ormal schools. (Number of conditions should be determined 
sparately for each school, according to its standards.) 

THE COURSES OF STUDY 

The modern university answers the public need with a mul- 
itude of courses of subjects of study, for the most part elective, 
^ith only certain requirements to insure breadth and thorough- 
ess. For general culture and for the varied activities of social 
fe, this elective system is to be commended. 

But the definite field of the normal school is to prepare the 
aachers demanded by our public school system. This work 
oes not require so wide a field of possible selection, and in general 
estricts the curriculum requisite for any student to four lines of 
ulture material. These four are: First, the mother tongue 
s the universal medium of culture, its structure, its proper use, 
nd its heritage of literature; second, the subjects dealing with 
tie profession of teaching, its philosophical and scientific bases, 
nd their practical applications ; third, the line of subject matter 
hat the prospective teacher expects to teach; and, fourth, cer- 
ain minor subjects in each course selected from the majors of 
ther courses for purposes of general . culture and information. 




ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 



iTrr 






^ t f WW 




LIBRARY BUILDING 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 207 



; is really only in the third class that there is need for marked 
ifferentiation. 

These varying requirements are then best fulfilled by the or- 
anization of certain definite courses, coordinate and equivalent, 
ut varying as to purpose, and hence as to the matter included 
1 the above mentioned third class. 

For these reasons the curriculum of the North Texas State 
ormal College is organized into the following seven courses : 

I. The Agriculture Course, for the training of teachers of 
P'iculture and of the biological and physical sciences upon which 
lis great industry and art is based. It especially aims at the 
reparation of principals of consolidated schools and rural high 
jhools. ■ 

II. The Home Economics Course to prepare for the teach- 
Lg of the home arts and sciences in schools of any grade. This 
)urse is exclusively for women. 

III. The Manual Training Course for the preparation of 
sachers of the manual arts and vocational education. 

IV. The Language Course, in which the student may select 
Satin, German, or Spanish, for the preparation of teachers of 
lese languages in our public and high schools, and also for those 
iho desire the foundation for higher classical and scientific edu- 
tition, or who may wish the modern foreign languages for the 
,irposes of business and travel. 

V. The Science Course to supply the need for teachers of 
athematics and science in high schools and for departmental 
•achers and principals of elementary schools. 

VI. The Primary and Arts Course to train teachers for the 
]imary and intermediate grades of elementary schools, and more 

irticularly to supply the growing demand for departmental 

lachers of music and drawing, and supervisors of these subjects 

city school systems. This is also exclusively a women's course. 

VII. The History-English Course, for the preparation of 
achers of history and English in high schools and the higher 
•ades of elementary schools, and for those who desire to divide 

lieir attention between science and language. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 209 

A student entering the first year or Freshman class should 
complete any one of these courses in four years. Then he is 
granted a diploma and a permanent teacher's certificate. Should 
le desire to continue his work, he is admitted to the Junior 
Ilollege class without condition. 

Beginning in September, 1917, two additional years' work 
las been added to the couse formerly given, the completion of 
A^hich will entitle the pupil to receive the standard bachelor's 
iegree in Education. 

Liberal appropriations from the legislature during the past 
several years, the addition of buildings, apparatus and appliances, 
md the election of a much larger faculty have contributed to the 
efficiency of the College. 

The course of study as now planned admits Oxie to the Fresh- 
nan class after having completed the nmth grade of an accredit- 
ed high school. 

The normal school diploma and permanexit certificate will be 
l"ranted as heretofore, to those complet.ni,- the fourth-year or 
>enior class of the Normal Collei^e. Stuaexxts rernaming for sub- 
sequent work will be graduated with the bachelor's degree upon 
jatisi'actory completion of the work of the two addxtioual >ears. 
5ince the entrance requirements ha ^ e been made to conform 
;o those of standard colleges of America, and the amount of work 
:or college graduation made equivalent to that of our best insti- 
;utions, the bachelor's degree as conferred w.il be recognized 
everywhere. 

In addition to the preparation of 'teachers of the so-called 
iterary and scientific subjects, the school iS now equipped with 
mildings, appliances and faculty necessary to train effective 
;eachers in all phases of home economics, manual training, public 
school music, public school art, reading, and physical education. 

Every phase of the teacher's work receives just considera- 
ion, and in its enlarged sphere of usefulness the College expects 
o meet the demands of all grades of school work, the elementary, 
he grammar, and the high school in all its departments. 



• ^-^ 




HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 211 



THE SENIOR COLLEGE 

JUNIOR COLLEGE CLASS (FIFTH YEAR) 

Any course leading to the bachelor's degree must mclude an 
]ducation major, an academic major of twelve units, an acade- 
|iic minor of nine and an acadamic minor of six units. 

All credits counted toward a degree must be standard col- 
pge units. 

That is, all credits made during the last two years of the 
3rmer four-year course and the two years, the first of which is 
|egun September, 1917, must rank as college work. 

Majors may be in English, mathematics, history, and social 
lience, language, and the sciences, including physics, chemistry 
lid biology. 

In all courses there must be at least six college units in 
nglish and three in historj^ or social science. 

Conditions not possible to be foreseen may necessitate the 
lodification of the course as now outlined. 
I After the close of session 1917-18 both the additional years 
nrected by the Board of Regents will be offered. The bulletin 
n be published about March 1, 1918, will give the entire course 
f. study for both years. 

I Graduation under the four-year diploma course, or the com- 
ietion of two years' work of college rank, including the fourteen 
t:andard college entrance units, is prerequisite for admission to 
as class. 

CONTROL 
Prior to December, 1911, the management and control of the 
^llege was exercised by the State Board of Education, consist- 
g of the Governor, the Comptroller, and Secretary of State. The 
liirty-second Legislature, at its call session in 1911, created a 
E:ate Normal School Board of Regents, consisting of the Super- 
i tendent of Public Instruction and four other members, to be 
^pointed by the Governor. In compliance with a more recent 
Iw governing the appointments of boards of regents of state 
istitutions (General Laws of the Thirty- third Legislature, Chap- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 213 



er 103, Section 3), the Normal School Board of Regents is made 
JD consist of six members, all appointed by the Governor. 

During the period in which the College was under the direc- 
ion of the State Board of Education, the local board of three 
lembers, appointed- by the State Board, performed various du- 
fes, and exercised authority delegated to it by the State Board. 
The following gentlemen, and residents of Denton County, 
^rved as members of the local board at various time from 1901 
t) 1911: Hon. F. E. Finer, Hon. Emory C. Smith, Hon. Alvin 
Owsley, Hon. W. A. Ponder, Hon. J. T. Bottorff, Hon. J. R. 
Jhristal and Hon. John Harmonson. 

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL BOARD OF REGENTS 

L C. Goeth, President, Austin Term Expires 1919 

V'alter J. Crawford, Beaumont Term Expires 1919 

S. Kendall, Dallas Term Expires 1921 

i. B. Martin, Plainview Term Expires 1921 

Lobert J. Eckhardt, Taylor Term Expires 1923 

lartin 0. Flowers, Lockhart Term Expires 1923 

L A. Turner, Secretary, Austin. 

BUILDINGS 

The Main Building. — In 1903 the main building, a brick, with 
►asement and two stories, was constructed. This contains the 
-dministration offices, auditorium, and several recitation rooms. 
ts cost, including heating, electric wiring, plumbing, etc., was 
ipproximately $60,000. 

The Science Building. — In 1910 the science building was 
onstructed. It is a fireproof brick and reinforced concrete struc- 
ure of three floors. It contains several recitation rooms, a lec- 
ure room, the laboratories for chemistry and physics. Its cost, 
lot including equipment, was $35,000. 

! The Library Building. — In 1913 the library building was 
Completed. It is a fireproof brick, reinforced concrete, and steel 
structure. It contains the reading rooms, stack room, society 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 215 

rooms, several recitation rooms, gymnasium, toilet rooms, etc. 
Its cost, with equipment, was $65,000. 

The Manual Arts Building. — A commodious, handsome, fire- 
proof building, has just been completed for the departments of 
manual training and home economics. This building, equipped 
with the best modern appliances for teaching all the phases of 
manual training, domestic science, and domestic art, affords all 
needed facilities for preparing expert teachers in these subjects. 
Competent judges say there is no building in the South superior 
to this in all of its appointments and equipments. 

Central Heating Plant. — Within the last year a central heat- 
ing plant has been constructed, equipped with duplicate boilers, 
from which all buildings on the campus are heated. In this 
building are located the engines, motors, etc., for developing light 
and power for the various buildings and for running the machines 
in the manual training department. 

Education Building. — The Thirty-fifth Legislature has re- 
cently appropriated $80,000 for the construction of an Education 
Building. This will be ready for occupancy at the beginning of 
the session in September, 1918. 

THE TRAINING SCHOOL 

The College maintains a model training school of nine grades. 
In this school where 146 children are taught by skillful and train- 
ed teachers, supervised by an expert in education, the students 
of the Normal School, both by observation and actual practice, 
under competent direction and instruction, are led to solve the 
practical problems of instruction, discipline, and management. 

THE SUMMER SCHOOL 

The summer -session of the North Texas State Normal begins 
about June 1 and closes about August 1 of each year. Two dis- 
tinct schools are maintained, the "Summer School" and the "Sum- 
mer Normal." Students of the different schools are taught in 
separate classes and do different classes of work. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 217 

CAREFULLY SELECTED FACULTY 

In selecting the faculty for the school the utmost care is al- 
ays exercised. Character, personal influence for good, scholar- 
lip, ability, willingness to work, and successful experience are 
.ways carefully considered. The Normal School faculty is no 
lace for a teacher weak in any one of these particulars. The 
;udent in a normal school should never come under the influence 
L a weak, insipid, inefficient, or indifferent teacher. 

OFFICERS OF ADMINISTRATION 

r. H. Bruce, A. B., A. M., Ph. D., LL. D President 

L D. Butler, A. B., A. M Dean 

. E, McDonald, A. B Dean of Summer School 

[iss Edith L. Clark Dean of Women 

[iss Clara M. Parker Associate Dean of Women 

. W. Smith Secretary-Treasurer 

.. C. McGinnis _ Registrar 

. E. Hudspeth Bookkeeper 

[iss Gertrude Wear 1 Secretary to the President 

[iss Minta Maxey Stenographer 

[rs. Pearl C. McCracken Librarian 

[iss Hixie Pittman. Assistant Librarian 

FACULTY FOR 1917-18 
. D. Borden, B. S., A. B., Physics. 
liss Annie Webb Blanton, B. Lit., English. 
[iss M. Anne Moore, M. L., A. B., Education. 
[iss Emma Mitchell, History. 

[iss Edith Lanier Clark, B. Lit., A. M., Dean of Women, English. 
. H. Legett, Agriculture. 
[iss Elizabeth Alger Hillyar, Drawing. 
J. D. Butler, A. B., A. M., Dean, Mathematics. 
. R. Swenson, A, B., A. M., Education. 
'. E. Peters, A. B., A. M., Mathematics. 
!. L. Davis, B. S., M. S., Agriculture. 
. W. Smith; Treasurer, Mathematics. 



218 HISTORY OF DFNTON COUNTY 



P. E. McDonald, A. B., Associate Dean, Latin. 

E. D. Criddle, B. Lit., History. 

W. N. Masters, B. S., A. B., Chemistry.' 

E. L. Anderson, A. B., German. 

i iiss Cora Belle Wilson, A. B., A. M., History. 

linrro J. P. Vitz. B. S., Manual Trainiifig. 

iliss Margaret W. Price, Reading. 

riiss Clara M. Parker, A. B., Associate Dean of Women, Latin. 

J. P. Downer, A. B., Mathematics. 

J. W. Pender, A. B., Civics. 

Miss Maude L, Fiero, B. S.. Education, Director Training School. 

Miss Beulah A. Harriss, A. B., Physical Education. 

Miss Mary C. Sweet, A. B., English. 

Miss Burtie J. Attwell, A. B., English. 

Miss Lillian M. Parrill, Music. 

J. W. St. Clair, A. B. , Physical Edticationand Director of Athletics. 

B. B. Harris, B. S., Biology. 

S. S. McKay, A. B., History. 

A. E. Chrislip, A. B., A. M., Education. 

Miss Flora L. Wilkin, Dratving. 

Miss Betty M, Hunt, A. B., Home Economics. 

Miss Mary Anderson, B. Mus., Instrumental Music. 

Miss Coralee Garrison, A. B., Reading. 

F. L. Masterson, A. B., A. M., Education. 
W. J. McConnell, A. B., Mathematics. 
Miss Ruby C. Smith, A. B., Spanish. 

Miss Delia Marie Clark, A. B., Physical Education. 

L. M. Ellison, A. B., A. M., Ph. D., English. 

F. E. Poindexter, A. B., Physics. 

Miss Rosebud, M. Vaughan, A. B., A. M., English. 

Miss Alice Sigworth, Reading and Drawing. 

Miss Emma A. Baie, B. S., Home Economics. 

Miss Christine Norad South, A. B., B. S., Home Economics. 

L. F. Metzler, A. B., M. S., Agriculture. 

L. L. Miller, A. B., Chemistry. 

W. M. Tanner, A. B., A. M.,' English. 











MANUAL ARTS BUILDING 




SCWifCE SUJUfttiQ 



220 HISTOKV OF DENTON COUNTY 



1 



It. D: Nelson. M. Di.. B. A.. M. A., Enylish. 

Miss Lola Biandenbui-g, B. S., Home Ec(/uoniics. 

Miss Marg:ery Ballard, Music. 

llarland II. Allen. A. B.. A. M., History and Civics. 

S. A. Blackburn, A. B., Manual Traininu. « 

TKAINING SCHOOL FACULTY. ■ 

A. S. Keith „.... PHncipai 

Miss Willie M. Floyd Supervisor of Eiyhth and Ninth Gradet 

Miss Leta M. Brooks Supervisor of Si.rth and Seventh Grada 

Miss Gladys Linsday Supervisor of Fourth and Fifth Gradif 

Miss Rena M. Andrews Supervisor of Second and Third Grail < > 

Mrs. Cora Martin _ Supervisor of First Grade 

Miss Erma Appleby, A. B., Secretary Y. W. C. A. 

THE LYCEUM COURSE 

The Normal has always maintained a strong course of lec- 
tures and entertainments, each year securing the best available 
talent. Men and women of national reputation, famous as lead- 
ers in public life, noted artists, musicians, and writers have been 
secured, who have contributed much to the student's realization 
of the college pui^pose of helpfulness and spiritual uplift. 

STUDENT ACTIVITIES 

The College has adopted and has adhered to the policy of 
encouraging a wide line of student activities, literary, forensic, 
dramatic, athletic, social, journalistic, artistic and spiritual. 
These activities are not left to or thrust upon the sole responsi- 
bility of students, but they are under the sympathetic and di- 
rective influence of committees of the students and faculty. 

LITERARY SOCIETIES 

The school supports several literary societies: The Mary 
Arden and Current Literary Clubs for women, the .John H. Rea- 



j HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 221 

g-an and Robert E. Lee Literary Societies for men. The women's 
societies meet bi-weekly, and the men's societies have weekly 
sessions. 

The Mary Arden Club is limited to membership of forty, and 
gives preference to advanced students. It was organized for 
the study of Shakespeare, but each session it devotes some time 
to some modern author or studies some problem of present 
importance. 

The Current Literary Club, larger in its membership, stimu- 
lates the study of the highest grade of modern literature, and 
also attacks questions of socal and civic importance. Both of 
these clubs are "federated" with other women's clubs of the 
city and State. 

The Reagan and Lee Literary Societies for men seek the 
development of qualities of manliness and loyalty, as well as train- 
ing in debating, declamation, and parliamentary practice. These 
two societies have no meetings during the summer sessions, but 
all members of both societies and other men in the school join 
during the summer session in the Henry W. Grady Literary 
Society. ^ ^^ 

For the purpose of intercollegiate contests, the men's soci- 
eties are combined into an Oratorical Association. Under the 
auspices of this organization, the school is a member of the 
Texas Normal College Debating League, in which each of the 
normal schools meets in annual debate two of the sister insti- 
tutions. The annual debates occur simultaneuosly at all the 
normals, the same question being discussed at both places, and 
each school supporting both sides of the question, taking the 
affirmative side at one place and the negative side at the other. 
The school is also represented in the State Peace Oratorical As- 
sociation. 

STUDENT PUBLICATIONS 

Elected representatives of all the classes in the school con- 
stitute the Press Club, which issues a weekly publication, the 
Campus Chat; a quarterly, The Avesta; and an annual, The 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY .223 



Yucca. The editor-in-chief of the Campus Chat and The Avesta 
is elected by the board of associate editors, who are elected by 
their respective literary societies. 

The editor-in-chief of The Yucca is elected by the entire 
student body. The office is esteemed the highest honor in the 
gift of the students, and the election is contested in the typical 
American college fashion. The business manager of the publi- 
cations is elected by the faculty. 

The Campus Chat and The Avesta furnish a respository for 
the best products of student literary effort and a record of current 
events in the school. The Yucca is an illustrated year book of 
college life and activities. These publications are invaluable to 
the school, for the associations formed during the year serve as 
much to enrich the later life of the student as his formal work 
in classroom, library, and laboratory, and it is the human side 
of the school that gives these tasks a life meaning. 

SKETCH CLUB 

The Sketch Club is composed of a group of students who 
have some artistic ability, and who are interested in drawing and 
painting, and who want to give more time to the work than the 
class period affords. 

MUSICAL ORGANIZATIONS 

The fundamental musical organization of the school is the 
Ghoral Club. A chorus is made up of students who can read 
music fairly well at sight. It meets for practice twice a week 
throughout the year. A varied selection of musical master- 
pieces, consisting of modern part songs, and selections from 
oratorio and opera are studied. While concerts are given from 
time to time during the year, the most important feature of the 
chorus is the May Festival, which constitutes a leading part of 
the commencement week program. A credit of one unit is given 
for regular attendance and conscientious work. The Musical 
Club for young women and the Glee Club are two popular organi- 
zations for women and men, respectively. Each consists of about 



224, HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

fifty voices. Fluent reading at sight is required for member- 
ship in either. Recitals and musicales are given throughout the 
year. Besides the musical numbers that enrich the literary and 
devotional programs of other organizations are largely the fruit 
of the work of these clubs. 



1 



THE NORMAL BAND 

The Normal Band has proved one of the most successful of 
the student organizations. The school owns its instruments. In 
addition to the twenty trained players constituting the regular 
band, classes of beginners are given instruction and practice. 

ATHLETICS 

It is the duty of every school to provide opportunity for 
physical as well as mental and moral development. Besides the 
regular courses in physical education, the interclass and inter- 
school contests are aimed primarily to increase the student's 
capacity for mental effort, for moral stamina, and for social serv- 
ice. Competitive athletic games w^ith schools of equal rank are 
made part of the athletic program. But since intercollegiate 
games do not afford the opportunity of participation to the ma- 
jority of students, great stress is laid upon competition between 
clat.ses and other groups. In this way it is hoped the entire 
student body may be reached by invigorating influence of strenu- 
ous play. The school owns about five acres of land prepared for 
baseball, basketball, tennis, volley ball, and other games. The 
athletic interests are safeguarded by a committee of the faculty 
and by an association ol' students. Representatives of both 
bodies form the Athletic Council, whose duty it is to keep athletic 
interest in the school, not only alive and healthy, but sane and 
intelligent as well. 

YOrNG MENS CHRKSTIAN ASSOCIATION 

The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in 
the school three years ago, and has steadily gained in influence. 
During each year about one hundi'ed have been enrolled as active 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 225 



mmbers. Delegates have been sent each year to the western 
d southern encampments as well as to the meetings of the State 
/;sociation. Weekly devotional meetings are held for an hour 
0^ Thursday evenings. Speakers with vision and message, both 
f)m within and without the school, then address the men and 
t up ideals of manliness and service. 

YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 
MISS ERMA APPLEBY, General Secretary 



The Young Women's Christian Association has been organ- 
d in the North Texas State Normal College for three years, 
is the largest student organization of the College, enrolling 
['ing the past session over 460 members. The Young Women's 



A^ociation employs a resident secretary, Miss Erma Appleby, 
w|o devotes her entire time to the welfare of the girls of the in- 
sitution. Miss Appleby is a graduate of the National Training 
Siiool for Secretaries, in New York City. The Association is 
o]^n to members of all churches, and offers associate membership 
tdthose who belong to no church at all. The aim of the Associa- 
1 is to unite the young women of the institution in loyalty to 
J&us Christ, to serve as a connecting link between the students 
ail the local churches, and to help build up the social life of the 
itdents. The Association has a well furnished rest room in the 
5Cj9nce Hall. This is open to the students at all times. Miss 
\pleby also has her office there. Weekly meetings are held on 
Widnesday evenings. 

ADJUSTMENT OF FORMER STUDENTS TO NEW CONDITIONS 
Although the nomenclature of classes and courses of study 
e been changed within the past few years, former students 
have no difficulty in finding their proper places, when it 
mderstood that each class now, as heretofore, covers one 
^qr's work. 

Prior to 1911 the course consisted of three years' work, 
be that time four years have been required for graduation. 
Itfinning in September, 1917, an additional two years' course 



226 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



is added, upon completion of whicii the bachelor's degree is con- 
ferred. This addition makes a course extending over six years. 

Upon completion of the fourth year or Senior class of the 
Normal department, the student receives, as heretofore, a per- 
manent certificate and diploma, and is enrolled as an alumnus of 
the school. 

Graduates of the former "three-year course" are eligible 
to enter the fourth year or Senior Normal class; those having 
completed the second year at any time since the organization of 
the school are eligible to the present third year or Junior class, 
etc. Those having graduated in the four-year course are ad- 
mitted to the fifth year (Junior College) class. 

Students are not affected by the changes in the course as 
to subjects offered. No student in continuous attendance is 
required to do more units' work for completion of a particular 
class or for graduation than the number demanded at the time of 
his matriculation. A "credit" once recorded is never cancelled 
on account of additions or changes in a course. 

SUMMARY OF STUDENTS, YEAR ENDING AUGUST 11, 1917 

Men Women Total 

Number of students enrolled, Session 1916-17 518 985 1503 

Number of students enrolled, Summer Session 1917 407 1361 1768 



Total number of students enrolled during the year 925 2346 3271 
Excluding students counted twice 114 254 368 



Net enrollment in Normal College - 811 2092 2903 

Enrollment in Training School „ 69 76 145 

Net enrollment for year September 1, 1916 to August 

31, 1917, (no one counted twice) 880 2168 3048 

Number of counties of Texas represented, Session 1916-17 129 

Number of counties represented. Summer Session, 1917 140 

Number of counties of Texas represented during the year, no county 

counted twice „ „ _ _ 155 

Number of States represented during the year _ _ 10 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 227 

History of Establishing the College of Industrial Arts 

In 1891 Hon. A. J. Baker of San Angelo, introduced in the 
Texas House a bill similar to the one establishing the Mississippi 
Industrial Institute and College at Columbus, Mississippi. Senator 
Carter of Fort Worth introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Both 
failed. Senator William J. Bailey of Tarrant County, in 1897, 
introduced a bill similar to that of Senator Baker. This received 
favorable action by the Senate. 

In 1897 Mrs. Helen M. Stoddard, State President of the Wo- 
men's Christian Temperance Union of Texas, interviewed Mr. 
Baker about his bill, and, going to the office of the Secretary of 
State, studied Mr. Baker's bill. 

The bill did not include all she felt justified in asking for 
the girls of Texas, so she added those sections which made the 
college unique among the women's colleges of the South and per- 
haps of the Nation. Besides the usual industrial requirements 
she added, "scientific and practical cooking including the chemi- 
cal study of foods; also a knowledge of practical housekeeping; 
also a knowledge pf trained nursing and caring for the sick ; also 
a knowledge of the care and culture of children." 

In order to gain the knowledge necessary to fit her to intel- 
ligently present the subject to audiences and in printed articles 
in the Texas press, Mrs. Stoddard visited Simmons College for 
Women, Boston, as well as schools for household arts in other 
cities, sparing no expense necessary to get the best information. 

The bill, after causing a great amount of discussion in the 
Legislature of 1897 and in the state press, failed to carry in the 
House. Discussion was what was needed and immediately two 
factions arose in the State, one led by Mrs. Stoddard asking for 
a woman's college, the other demanding that the Agricultural 
and Mechanical College be opened to the girlhood of the State. 
Good came of all this discussion, since is showed the need of in- 
dustrial education for the young womanhood of Texas. 

As the meeting of the Legislature of 1899 approached, Mrs. 
Stoddard went to Greenville and interviewed Judge Sherrill who 



HfSTOIIY OF DENTON COUNTY 




F. M. BRALLEY 
PRESIDENT COLLEGE OF INDUSTRIAL ARTS 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 229 

was elected a member of the House. Mr, Sherrill promised to 
introduce the bill. To secure the necessary information, he cor- 
responded with many colleges similar to the proposed institution. 

When the Legislature opened, Judge Sherrill was elected 
speaker of the House, and so could not consistently introduce any 
bill. He introduced his colleague. Judge Grubbs, of Greenville, 
who consented to introduce the measure, so Mrs, Stoddard handed 
Judge Grubbs her bill and he introduced it at once. This bill was 
in the handwriting of Mrs. Stoddard and may be seen in the files 
of the Secretary of State. Mr. Grubbs became very enthusiastic 
over the bill and worked in season and out of season. He enlisted 
the interest of Mr, Sanger, of Dallas, who advanced three hun- 
dred dollars in bringing to Austin Professor Woodard, President 
of Washington University, St. Louis, and a large display of arti- 
cles made by the students of Washington University. These arti- 
cles were placed on exhibition in the Hall of Representatives the 
night of President Woodard's lecture, and, hanging from walls, 
and gallery, and grouped on tables about the lobby, they were in- 
spected by legislators and visitors before and after the lecture. 
It was an illuminating way of explaining a greatly misunderstood 
measure. 

Mrs, Dunklin, of Waco, representing the Texas Woman's 
Press Association, came to Austin and worked several days for 
the bill. Miss M. Eleanor Brackenridge of San Antonio estab- 
lished a practical cooking school in San Antonio, and placed do- 
mestic art in the schools. Sentiment grew apace. Mr. Grubbs 
succeeded in having the school made a platform demand in the 
Democratic party of 1900, and that insured its passage the next 
winter. 

The bill was saved in the House by vote of the Speaker, and 
in the Senate by vote of the Lieutenant-Governor, The locating 
commission was a compromise to satisfy its many friends of 
many minds. 

The act that created "the industrial institute and college for 
white girls of Texas" also provided for the creation of a com- 
mission to decide upon the location thereof. After the Governor 







■^f 








HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 231 

lad announced this locating commission, consisting of one person 
:'rom each congressional district, the first meeting of the body was 
leld at Waco, October 1, 1901, with all of the members thereof 
Dresent as follows : 

W. D. Cleveland of Houston, representing the First District ; 
Di'. J. B. Roberts of Woodville, representing the Second District ; 
Hon. R. T. Milner of Rusk, representing the Third District; J. H. 
Rowell, Sr., of Jefferson, representing the Fourth District; Hon. 
Rosser Thomas of Bonham, representing the Fifth District ; Hon. 
3. B. Colquitt of Terrell, representing the Sixth District; Hon. 
W. H. Radney of Waco, representing the Seventh District; Mrs. 
Helen M. Stoddard of Fort Worth, representing the Eighth Dis- 
trict; Col. A. P. Wooldridge of Austin, representing the Ninth 
District; Hon. John M. Moore of Richmond, representing the 
Tenth District; Hon. E. A. Atlee of Laredo, representing the 
Eleventh District ; Hon. George H. Pf euff er of San Antonio, rep- 
resenting the Twelfth District; J. E. Cooper of Colorado, rep- 
resenting the Thirteenth District. 

The commission organized by the election of 0. B. Colquitt 
president, Col. A. P. Wooldridge, vice-president, and Mrs. Helen 
M. Stoddard, secretary. They appointed an itinerary of the 
State, to include all the towns and cities candidates for the loca- 
tion of the school, and it visited San Antonio, Austin, Taylor, 
College Station, Waco, Walnut Springs, Dublin, Hillsboro, Denton, 
A.marillo, Greenville, Terrell, Jefferson and Huntsville. 

Denton, already recognizing from experience the advantages 
3f having a State educational institution located within its limits, 
began to take steps to secure the College of Industrial Arts. 
With this in view, the citizens of Denton assembled in a mass 
meeting at which the Hon. R. Lee Ragsdale, former member of 
the Legislature, delivered an enthusiastic address. After a dis- 
cussion of the subject, a committee consisting of twenty-one Den- 
ton citizens was appointed and given plenary powers to make 
plans to secure the College for Denton. The members of this 
committee were as follows : C. F. Witherspoon, president, J. C. 
Coit, secretary and treasurer, R. L. Ragsdale, E. C. Smith, J. P. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 233 

Blount, A. E. Graham, T. J. Bottorff, W. A. Ponder, M. S. Stout, 
3. F. Schweer, A. C. Owsley, C. C. Bell, J. B. Schmitz, John A. 
3ann, R. J. Wilson, Robt. Craig, C. A. Williams, G. H. Blewett, 
N. F. Jarrell, J. N. Rayzor, W. B. McClurkan. 

The committee adopted the plans proposed by Mr. John C. 
]!oit, namely : to offer a cash bonus secured by the business men 
)f Denton, and to buy the site in Denton which the locating com- 
nittee would choose. A bonus of $30; 000 was raised by individ- 
lal subscription, each subscriber agreeing to pay an amount 
^qual to three times his city taxes for the preceding year, the 
)bligations to be binding only in case one-half the property in 
;he city was represented on the subscription list, and no money 
vas to be collected in case the College should fail to be located in 
3enton. The College locating commission after a careful tour 
)f the State, met at Austm on January 3, 1902, and, after a long 
iC3s'on. finally chose from among the various competitive offers, 
;he town of Denton as the place best fulfilling the required 
onditions. From the several sites offered by Denton, the com- 
ittee chose a seventy-three acre plot occupying the summit and 
entle slopes of an elevation in the northeastern part of town, 
he bonus of $30,000 was contributed promptly and all obliga- 
ions met in full, including the boring of an artesian well on the 
pollege campus. These grounds are sufficiently elevated to over- 
look the town and surrounding country and furnish one of the 
nost nearly ideal locations for a college that could be found in 
e entire country. 

Governor Sayers then announced the Board of Regents for 
jhe institution as follows : Col. A. P. Wooldridge of Austin, Miss 
L Eleanor Brackenridge of San Antonio, Mrs. Helen M. Stod- 
ard of Fort Worth, Mrs. Cone Johnson of Tyler, John A. Hann 
f Denton, Rosser Thomas of Bonham, and Clarence Ousley of 
louston. Of the Board, Colonel Woolridge was elected presi- 
ent; Miss Brackenridge, vice-president; Mrs. Stoddard, secre- 
ary; and Mr. Hann, treasurer. 

After plans and specifications for a building had been select- 
d, a contract was let in August for the erection of the Main 



2.34 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




r 




>"il" /•'■j^M^'^-'r- 



HYGEIA HALL (COLLEGE HOSPITAL) 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 235 



building, and work was begun about the first of September, 1902, 
he contract calhng for its completion in eight months from date 
•f contract. The contract cost of the building is $45,462. 

The following excerpt from the Dallas News, January 10, 
.902, is of interest as affording contemporary account of the 
leremony of the laying of the corner stone of the first of the col- 
ege buildings, and in giving further details of the history of the 
ocation of the Cohere at Denton : 

"Denton, Texas, January 10. — Notwithstanding the unpleas- 
mt drizzle of rain which has been falling all day, the laying of the 
;orner stone and the dedication of the building of the Girls' In- 
lustrial School was solemnized here today in the presence of a 
arge crowd of zealous and interested spectators and citizens, 
rhe corner stone ceremonies alone were held at the site of the 
)uilding, the different addresses being delivered at the opera 
louse on account of the inclement weather. The affair was 
mder the auspices of the local Masonic lodge, assisted by rep- 
resentative Masons from Fort Worth and Pilot Point. 

"The Normal and John B. Denton College were dismissed 
md most of the business houses closed their doors for the occa- 
iion. About 1 :30 o'clock in the afternoon the Masonic pro- 
fession, preceded by the local band, and followed by a long line 
)f people in carriages and afoot, was conducted by Masonic 
:}rand Marshal P: C. Withers to the site of the building on Collins 
Hill, in the northeast part of the city. There were probably 
2,000 people accompanying the procession, and on the grounds 
5,000 more awaited the arrival of the Masons. 

"At two o'clock the ceremonies were begun by Grand Master 
William James of Fort Worth. The invocation was asked by 
Elder S. K. Hallam, and the customary corner stone exercises of 
the Masonic lodge were conducted by the Grand Master, with 
the assistance of the following Masonic officers : Deputy Grand 
Master T. C. Edgell, Fort Worth; Senior Grand Warden A. F. 
Campbell, Dallas; Junior Grand Warden S. M. Bradley, Denton; 
Grand Secretary E. F. Bates, Denton; Grand Treasurer T. N. 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 237 



e, Pilot Point ; Grand Marshall P. C. Withers, Denton, and 

Chaplain S. K. Hallam, Denton. 
After the corn, wine, oil, medals and papers, among- the 

a copy of the Dallas News' reunion edition, were deposited 

cavity prepared for theii- reception, the stone was lowered 
ce, the public grand honors given, the square, level and 

applied to the stone, the oil and wine poured in thereupon 

e implements of masonry turned over to the architect. 

\t the opera house the address of welcome was delivered by 

S. M. Bradley. In his speech he eulogized the early states- 

f Texas whereby their legislation made the prosperity of 
u r education possible and secured for the State her excellent 
( a of public free schools ; paid high tributes to the Board of 
4ts and the Womens' Federated Clubs, in welcoming the 

s, pledged the heartiest support of Denton in assisting in 
I building of the State, and in the coming years to develop 

ider and nobler manhood and a higher and more useful 

ihood. 

udge Bradley introduced Hon. A. P. Wooldridge of Austin, 
^i ;nt of the Board of Regents, who responded in behalf of 
I ter and in an eloquent manner gave a detailed account of 
p )gress of the idea of industrial education from its first def- 

)rmation into a purpose, signalized by the introduction by 

J. Baker into the lower house of the Twenty-second Legis- 

in 1901, of a bill calling for the establishing of an indus- 

hool for girls ; on the agitation of the idea by Senator H. W. 
Mrs. Stoddard, the Women's Federated Clubs and Judge 
and to the occasion of today, which so clearly marks the 
nihal progress of the cause of industrial education. He 

1 account of the plans and purposes of the school and the 

f the Board of Regents. 

I'larence N. Ousley followed Colonel Wooldridge in a short 
excusing the absence of Governor and Mrs. Sayers and 

rackenridge, regent, and introduced to the audience Mrs. 
z^V. Pennybacker, who in a short, allegorical speech, set 

|ie progress made by Texas in educational and other lines. 




STODDARD HALL 




HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 239 

Irs. Pennybacker presented to the audience a gallery of word- 
ictures. Mrs. Pennybacker was followed by Mrs. Cone Johnson of 
'yler and Mrs. Helen M. Stoddard of Fort Worth, both regents, 
^ho delivered short addresses along the line of industrial educa- 
Lon, highly appropriate to this occasion. 

"Prof. Cree T. Work, president of the school, was then in- 
roduced by Mr. Ousley, and in a short speech he recited the pur- 
oses of the school and, as a recent Californian, complimented 
'exas upon the rapid and renowned strides she has made along 
ducational lines. At the conclusion of Mr. Work's speech, Dr. 
i. L. Hogue of this city pronounced the benediction and dis- 
lissed the audience. 

"After the ceremonies were concluded the local club women 
3ndered a reception to the visiting guests at the Elks' Club 
ooms from four to six o'clock. The Board of Regents held a busi- 
ess meeting tonight and many matters of interest pertaining to 
fie management, curriculum and faculty of the school were dis- 
osed of." 

MRS. HELEN M. STODDARD'S SPEECH 
The world is full of visions, and a vision ever precedes a 
Lilfilment. The other day I spent an hour in the office of the 
ecretary of State in Austin following up a vision. Perhaps there 
5 no place in the State where so many fleeting visions can be 
ighted as in the archives of this same office. Visions, hopes, 
reams, folded up in yellow packets, and carefully laid away in 
les. But the particular vision I was pursuing hardly remains a 
ision any longer since we stand today upon the sight of its 
lessed fulfilment. 

In those yellow files I found recorded the names of a royal 
ne of legislators whose souls had caught a vision of this day. 
'hese ceremonies, this rejoicing people, this building, and all the 
lorious possibilities for which these things stand — and were not 
isobedient to the heavenly vision, but wrought on through good 
nd evil report that this day and all it stands for, might live* 

The first in this royal line of noblemen is the Hon. A. J. 
laker, whose inspiration was drawn from the Girls' Industrial 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 241 

lollege, established in his native State, Mississippi. In the 
'wenty-seeond Legislature, in 1891, he introduced a bill in the 
[ouse to establish a girls' industrial college in Texas. 

In the same session and about the same time Senator Carter, 
dth like insight, introduced a similar bill in the Senate. Prof ess- 
r Alex Hogg had meanwhile written upon the needs of such an 
istitution for the young womanhood of the State. Others took 
p the pen, scattering the seeds of industrial education for the 
irlhood of the State. Then arose conflicting ideals as to how 
tils industrial education might best be given. 

Some argued sincerely that it was best to throw open the 
oors of the Agricultural and Mechanical College to the young 
/'omen, while the majority just as earnestly advanced reasons 
^hy the young women should have an independent institution. In 
bJs wide discussion many pens and voices were busy during the 
-^hole ten years of agitation. The conflicting methods and plans 
'^ere thoroughly ventilated and the people listened and formed 
tieir preferences and opinions. 

In the Twenty-fifth Legislature Senator Bailey consented 
3 introduce a bill similar to the former bills. It passed the 
enate but failed in the House, partly because of the cry of "Econ- 
my! Hard times!" and partly because of the adverse influences 
f those holding opposite opinions. 

In the Twenty-sixth Legislature Judge V. W. Grubbs accept- 
d the trust confided to him by the Women's Christian Temper- 
nce Union, the largest organization of women in the State, and 
worked with unfailing enthusiasm. The vision he caught led 
im to count few things as too great to sacrifice, if only this 
reat undertaking could be accomplished. The bill failed of 
assage again, but sentiment was spreading more rapidly still. 

During the following year Judge Grubbs worked in season 
nd out of season. He sought the endorsement of many asso- 
iations, the most important being the adoption of a plank in 
he platform of the Democratic party in 1900. This plank com- 
litted the party to the passage of the bill establishing the 
College. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 243 

In the Twenty-seventh Legislature the bill was introduced 
ti the Senate by Messrs. Miller and Harris of Hunt County, and 
1 the House by Messrs. Mulkey and Pierson, also of Hunt Coun- 
Through all the years the Hunt County legislators have been 
ery clear in their conviction upon this measure. These gentle- 
len worked loyally and faithfully until its final passage. It is 
iteresting to note that in this Legislature the bill was saved 
rom defeat in both House and Senate by the vote of the pre- 
iding officers. 

In its journey through these various legislatures the bill 
sceived amendments to meet the ideas of our people, and yet 
le bill that passed differs immaterially from the measure intro- 
uced a decade ago. Time would fail me to tell of the addresses, 
le articles for the friendly press, the legislative committee 
idresses, the personal interviews with legislators, the letters 
tid petitions sent in from all parts of the State, necessary to 
scomplish the passage of this bill. 

Laws are not enacted by observation, but by hard, persistent 
[ork, and only those who labored during these years of cam- 
aign can fully appreciate this significant meeting today. 
|he vision seen from afar by this royal line of toilers is now 
;suming the distinctness of the blessed reality. Our first 
lilding is rising, our new president is here, and in a few short 
onths the footsteps of the young womanhood of this State 
lall climb this beautiful hill and in these halls seek a better 
•eparation for life. 

The vision is becoming a reality. But the completed vision — 
)w may words tell it? When future homes shall receive the 
' 3men fully fitted for life, women economically independent, 
)men endowed with self-reliance, women with decision of char- 
ter, women with firmness of principle, found only in those 
assessing the three-fold education of the head, the heart, the 
,nd — what shall it signify? 

How to build a home in its great, true, scientific sense, and 

iw to build the body to be a fit home for the soul — there are 

greater questions than these for the race to solve. The am- 



244 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



pie, broad, and varied provisions of this comprehensive law 
will make it possible to teach the woman of tomorrow how to 
build and maintain the home, and how to provide for and care 
for the body, and make it a fit habitation for a developed soul. 

Not only is this to be true of the girl as an individual but in a 
far wider sense will this be true. "When we educate a boy, we 
educate an individual only. When we educate a girl, we educate 
a whole family." 

And when that vision, seen from afar, though hardly compre- 
hended, shall become a blessed reality, can even we who stand at 
the beginning of its fulfilment understand — can we see what 
it will mean to our people to have woman, the life-giver, woman, 
the mother, fitted thoroughly for her noble profession in life? 

Surely the consummation is too glorious for our unrestrained 
eyes to behold with understanding, but a blessed and enlightened 
humanity shall see it — shall understand it — aye, shall live it! 

[This speech was made January 10, 1903, on the occasion of 
the laying of the corner stone of the College of Industrial Arts, 
and is reproduced from To the Noon Rest, a work containing 
"the life, work, and addresses of Mrs. Helen M. Stoddard," from 
the pen of Miss Fanny L. Armstrong.] 

DEVELOPMENT OF THE COLLEGE OF INDUSTRIAL ARIS 

The College formally opened its doors to receive students 
on September 23, 1903, in what is now the central part of the 
large and imposing Administration F>uilding. There then follow- 
ed a true pioneer period — a period fraught with many obstacles 
and difi'iculties, but rich in loyalty and steadfastedness of pur- 
pose. A small group of fourteen instructors eager to teach, a 
small student body of 186 members, eager to be taught, made up 
the group that was to begin the actual work of the great experi- 
ment of collegiate industrial training for women in Texas. They 
had then as now, one definite purpose in mind, namely, to plan 
and carry on the work in such a manner as to fit the women of 
Texas in a practical way for the various responsibilities of life. 
Absolute and well-founded faith in the ultimate success of the 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



245 





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246 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



plan, w as the one greatest element of inspiration lor both faculty 
members and students, biinging forth their untiring and well- 
directed energy in laying the foundations foi- the high standards 
that have since been attained. 

During the first year there were few houses and no side- 
walks in the part of the town where the College is located. 
The greatei" part of the students and faculty members lived in 
private homes remote from the CoUere and, in absence of street 
cars, walked from one-half mile to two miles to work; and in- 
cidentally it might be added that the rainfall during that winter 
was the heaviest that Denton had hr.d in sixteen successive years. 
It may also be stated that the entire college plant consisted of a 
small greenhouse and the unfiiiished central portion of one build- 
ing in which the sounds of the carpenters' saws and hammers 
continued for more than half a year. But to those pioneer spirits, 
the obstacles, great as they were, served more as incentives to 
greater effort than as retarding force to smaller effort, so that 
it may be said that they succeeded both because of, and in spite 
of, material hindrances. The strong bonds of love and loyalty 
forged from the common endura^^.ce of, and common victory 
over, such hardships, created a wo iderful force in the outgoing 
alumnae group, whose influence was one of the most potent ele- 
ments in the subsequent growth of the College. 

Much encouragement was derived from the enthusiastic co- 
operation and unfailing interest shown by the citizens of Denton. 
Their first-hand knowledge of the work undertaken by the College 
made it possible for them to recognize its value in the great edu- 
cational system of the State, and to contribue directly to its 
upbuilding. Many erroneous ideas existed as to just what the 
College was. Evidence of this is found when one, in reading 
through an early publication of the College, discovers the follow- 
ing sentence under the heading of "Concise Information" : "This 
is not an oi-phanage, a hospital, an asylum, or a reformatory." 

Much was done by the various women's organizations of the 
State and by individual interest and effort, in informing the 
Texas public of the work and the purposes of the College and in 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 247 

creating sentiment for the educative and cultural value of in- 
dustrial training. Especial mention should be made of the valu- 
able service of this kind which was rendered by Miss M. Eleanor 
Brackenridge of San Antonio, Mrs. Helen M. Stoddard of Fort 
Worth, Mrs. Cone Johnson of Tyler and Mrs. Percy V. Penny- 
backer. 

The College during its existance has had three presidents, 
Cree T. Work, 1902 to 1910; W. B. Bizzell, 1910 to 1914; and 
F. M. Bralley, the present president, all of whom have concen^ 
trated their best efforts on the promotion of the great cause of 
industrial education. 

With the pioneer period of the College passed, the growth 
has been nothing less than phenomenal. In the matter of en- 
rollment, for example, the increase in the number of new students 
has exceeded for the past several years that of any college or 
university in the State of Texas; where in 1910-11 257 students 
were registered, in 1916-17 1,057 young women were receiving 
training at C. I. A. 

The faculty has grown to meet the need of the increasing 
student body. From the small group of fourteen members, it 
now numbers seventy-five college and university trained men and 
women actually engaged in instructional work, and exclusive of 
officers of administration and student assistants. 

It is not difficult to find a reason for this extraordinary ex- 
pansion. The Commonwealth of Texas has begun to realize what 
a collegiate industrial education means to the homes and to the 
lives of its entire citizenship. It is believed, and is coming to be 
more and more realized, that a right combination of literary and 
industrial training yields far more efficiency than either kind 
of training taken alone. Such composite training modified and 
adapted to the present needs of women, enables them to cope 
with the manifold varieties of problems that real life will pre- 
sent to them. When to this is added the consideration that, in 
its recent changes in curriculum, the College of Industrial Arts 
has so standardized its requirements for diplomas and degrees 
as to secure its rank as a college of the first class, one realizes 



248 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 














BOOKS ARE AMONG THE TOOLS AT C. I. A. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 249 

that a goal long striven-for, has been reached finally and triumph- 
antly. 

On the material side, as to building and equipment, the Col- 
lege has grown from the small greenhouse and one unfinished 
instructional building mentioned above and valued at about 
^60,000.00 to include at present, ten large, substantial buildings, 
residential and instructional, valued at approximately $600,000, 
while appropriations for two new $140,000 fireproof dormitories, 
a $10,000 greenhouse, $20,000 power plant addition, $11,000 laun- 
dry addition with $6,000 for equipment, $5,000 tdairy- and stock 
barn, $2,500 incinerator, and a second Demonstration Cottage to 
be erected and equipped at a cost of $5,500 were allowed by the 
Thirty-fifth legislature. The principal buildings mentioned in- 
:;lude the Administration Building, a handsome brick and stone 
edifice set upon the hill which rises from the campus, the House- 
hold Arts Building, Stoddard, Brackenridge, and Lowry Halls, the 
three big State dormitories, Methodist Dormitory, a beautiful 
ivy-covered brick and stone structure across the street from the 
campus proper, Oakland Hall, Hygeia Hall (the College hospital) 
the Music Building, gymnasium, laundry building, the green- 
houses, and the President's home. 

The College grounds have been improved so as to include a 
beautiful twenty-five acre, oak-shaded park forming the approach 
to the main group of buildings, grounds for various out-door 
3ports and athletics, experimental orchard and gardens, and a 
pasture for the College dairy herd. 

The College of Industrial Arts offers six different four-year 
courses of study leading to the bachelor's degree. They are as 
follows : Household Arts, Fine and Applied Arts, Literary, Man- 
ual Arts, Rural Arts and Sciences, and Music. A three-year 
course also is offered in each of these departments, and also in 
the department of Expression, while the Public School Music 
course and the Kindergarten Training School course each- covers 
two years of work. ' . 

Several courses requiring only one year each for completion 
are offered. They are the Homemakers Course, Commercial Arts 



250 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Courses and the Vocational Courses. These courses meet the 
demand that comes from mature, serious-minded women who 
have found it impossible or inconvenient to take the rejrular col- 
lege work; and also for high school and colleg:e graduates, or 
those of e(iual ability, who have not had the opportunity to pur- 
sue this kind of work in their own schools. 

The College maintains also a Prepai'atory School consisting 
of two years of work. This is aimed especially for the young 
women of the State who live in small towns or rural communities 
who cannot receive the desired academic or industrial training 
in their home schools necessary to enter the College. 

Various worth-while social and educational activities are 
directed and taken part in by the student body of the College of 
Industrial Ails. Three splendid student publications. The La,ss-0, 
the first girls' college weekly newspaper published in the South, 
the Diedulian Qimrterly, a literary magazine, and the Dicdalian 
Annval, the students' year book, arc got out by the literary stu- 
dents, those holding journalistic positions or being otherwise 
journalistically inclined forming the membership of the College 
Press Club. The Press Club is a member of the Texas Inter- 
collegiate Press Associat'on. and is the College organization mem- 
bership in which is dependent upon the student's literary and 
English work. There are two literary clubs, the M. Eleanor 
Bn.ckenrid.re Club, named in honor of one of the distinguished 
patronesses of the College, a member of the Board of Regents 
since its first year, and the Chaparral Club. The students also 
have a flourishing Y. W. C. A. organization in the College each 
year, with a resident College Y. W. C. A. secretary. This or- 
ganization is doing a splendid work in maintaining a proper re- 
ligious atmosphere, and has, besides various impromptu social 
gatherings during the school year, several annual entertainments 
in which the town people are invited to take part each year. The 
music students and those among the student body interested in 
music maintain the College Choral Club, art students are mem- 
bers of the Art Club, farm girls and those interested in rural 
activities are members of the Farm Girls' Council, one of the 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



251 




BRACKENRIDGE HALL 




DRIVEWAY AT C. I. A. 



262 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

largrest orgranizations at the Colleg-e, while the students in jareneiai 
comprise memberships of the various county clubs oiganized at 
the first of each year. 

Wholesome recreative pastimes and various ways of securing 
healthful enjoyment and entertainment are generously provided 
within the College group. Besides the usual excursions and social 
affairs, out-door sports, tennis, basketball, tether tennis, track 
work, field-day exercises, all add vigor and zest to the college life 
and stimulate strong but friendly rivalry. Faculty athletic di- 
rectors have charge of the organizations of various athletic clubs, 
and other activities are supervised by them. Also in the interest 
of the girls' health, the College has a resident woman physician 
and nurse whose services are free in case of illness. The College 
Physician also teaches home nursing and physiology. 

The best opportunities are provided for the enjoyment of 
first-class entertainments given by noted musicians, authors, 
readers, lecturers and dramatic companies, as well as for enter- 
tainments by artists of local standing. The Artists' Course pro- 
vided by the College for the students and the people of Denton 
has brought to the College Rudolph Ganz, Oscar Seagle, the 
Philharmonic Orchestra of New York (directed by Josef Stran- 
sky) , the St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra, S. H. Clark, William 
J. Bryan, Jacob Riis, the Devereux Players, the Zoellner Quar- 
tette, Giovanni Martinelli, May Peterson, Christine IMiller, and 
others of equal rank. 

The Music Festival held in May of each year, and the Shake- 
spearian pageant given during commencement week, in each of 
which several hundred students take part, are features of the 
year's entertainments that are anticipated with much pleasure 
by the people of Denton as well as the students of the College. 

In addition to its intra-muial training, the College has a 
strong department of Extension which is constantly enlarging its 
field of work. The work of the department of Extension is 
carried on, in general, through the medium of short, practical 
courses, educational exhibits, lectures, demonstrations, bulletins, 
and direct correspondence, and therefore reaches thousands of 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 253 

people who would otherwise never receive any direct benefit from 
:he College. 

The College of Industrial Arts, with its thousand happy- 
learted, self -controlled, serious-working students, and its large, 
A^ell-trained faculty, has added much to the well-being of Denton 
md the town has given much to the College. A spirit of mutual 
ippreciation and cordiality exists between town and college, and 
:he town has cause to be proud of its own foresight and well- 
iirected plans when it made the college locating commission the 
nost attractive offer of all the Texas towns bidding for the honor 
Df securing the College of Industrial Arts. 

BOARD OF REGENTS 

Mr. J. H. Lowry, president, Honey Grove, Texas; Miss M. 
Eleanor Brackenridge, vice-president, San Antonio ; Mrs. William 
Oapps, secretary, Fort Worth; Mr. J. C. Coit, treasurer, Denton; 
Mr. Walter D. Adams, Forney, Texas ; Mr. Sam P. Harben, Rich- 
ardson, Texas. 

FACULTY FOR SESSION OF 1917-1918 
OFFICERS OF ADMINISTRATION 

F. M. Bralley President 

E. V. White Dean of the College 

Lina Perlitz Dean of Women 

Richard J. Turrentine Associate Dean of College 

OFFICERS OF INSTRUCTION 

DEPARTMENT OF FOODS AND COOKERY 

Corabel Weimer Professor and Director of the Department 

Graduate Boston Cooking School 

B. S., Columbia University 
Gladys Branegan Associate Professor 

B. S., University of Wisconsin 
3arah Best Associate Professor 

B, A., University of Minnesota 

B. S., Columbia University 



254 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



June Findley Associate Professor 

H. S., University of Missouri 

M. A., University of Missouri 
Alice C. Fairchild Assistant l*i(»rrsv«.i 

B. A., Oberlin College 

H. S., Columbia University 
Rebecca M. Gibbons Assistant Professor 

B. S., Cornell University 
Cornelia L. Simson Assistant Professor 

Graduate Mechanics Institute, Rochester, N. Y. 

Columbia University 
Marguerite Gauger Assistant Professor 

M. A., University of Illinois 
Julia lianiler Assistant Professor 

B. S., University of Cincinnati 

M. A., University of Cincinnati 
Elizabeth Beyer Assistant Professor 

A. B.. University of Illinois 

DEPARTMENT OK TEXTILES AND CLOTHING 

Adah Ileniietta Hess Professor and Director of the Department 

IJ. S., Columbia University 
Lillian C. Hoffman „ Associate Professor 

r.. S., Columbia University 
Blanche Biadley Associate Professor 

rh.B., Hillsdale College 

H. S., Columbia University 
Pearl Saltei* Associate Professor 

I'h.B., University of Chicago 
Gertrude Sti-ickland Assistant Professor 

Graduate College of Industrial Arts 
Columbia University 

Harriet W'aigli Assistant Professoi- 

Graduate Milwaukee School of Trades 
Marguerite Musgrave Instructoi- 

Hood College 

Skidmore School of Arts 

Mattie Hea Sebastian ^ Instructor 

P.. S.. University of Missouri 
M. A., University of Missouri 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 255 

Idna Ingels Instructor 

A. B., University of Kansas 

DEPARTMENT OF FINE AND APPLIED ARTS 

iOtty May Professor and Director of the Department 

M. A., Columbia University 

Graduate Student Art Students' League 

National Academy of Design 

New York University 

Hunter College 

lattie Lee Lacy , Associate Professor 

Graduate College of Industrial Arts 
Graduate Pratt Institute 

llanche A. Sloat Associate Professor 

Graduate Cooper Institute, New York 

One Year's Research Work, Interior Decoration, Louvre Museum, 
Paris, and South Kensington, London 

lary Marshall Assistant Professor 

Graduate Pratt Institute 
Columbia University 

i^illie R. Johnston Assistant Professor 

Graduate Pratt Institute 
Water-Color Student of Henry Snell 

^race L Barrett Instructor 

Graduate New York School of Fine and Applied Arts 

lary Best Instructor 

Graduate Pratt Institute 

B. A., Fargo College 

DEPARTMENT OF MANUAL ARTS 

Lnna M. Cron Professor and Director of the Department 

Graduate Kansas State Normal, Emporia 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

[ate Lacy Assistant Professor 

Graduate College of Industrial Arts 
Bradley Polytechnic Institute 

ladys Roberts Assistant Professor 

B. S., University of Missouri 



256 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



DEPARTMENT OK RURAL ARTS 

Eiwin M. Tiffany _ Professor and Director of the Department 

A. B., Baker University 

B. S., Kunsus Stiite A^jricultural College 

DEPARTMENT OF COMMKKCIAL ARTS 

Cleona Lewis Professor and Director of the Department 

Graduate Gregg Shorthand Scliool 
Ph.B., University of Chicago 

Esther Clements _ Instructor 

B. S., University of Illinois 

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH 

Mary Armstrong Shouse Professor and Director of Department 

Ph.B., University of Chicago 

M. A., Columbia University 
William Stanton Donoho Associate Professor 

B. A., Baylor University 

B. A., Yale University 
C. H. Watkins Associate Professor 

B. A., Baylor University 
B. A., Yale University 
Lila McMahon _ Associate Professor 

M. A., University of Alabama 
University of Chicago 

Mertie Helen Higgins „ Assistant Professor 

University of Texas 
University of Chicago 

Susan F. Cobb „ Instructor 

B. A., College of Industrial Arts 

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND SOCIOLOGY 

Felix B. Ross Professor and Acting Director of the Department 

M. A., State University of Iowa 

Graduate Work, University of Iowa 
H. G. Allen _ „ _ Professor 

University of Chicago 
Mary L. Shine _ Professor 

B. A., University of Cincinnati 
M. A., University of Cincinnati 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 25Y 

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS 

E. V. White Professor and Director of the Department 

B. S., University of Texas 

Merrie Tully Bostick Assistant Professor 

B. A., University of Texas 

DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES 

Lina Perhtz Professor and Director of the Department 

B. A., University of Texas 

University of Chicago 

L'Institute pour les Etrangers, Paris 
Minnie Lee Barrett ....._., Associate Professor 

B. A., University of Texas 

T. P. Cobb : Associate Professor 

B. A., Baylor University 

M. A., Columbia University . 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 

Richard J. Turrentine Professor and Director of the Department 

Bachelor of Pedagogy, Missouri 

A. M., University of Texas 

Edward P. Gilchrist Associate Professor 

Ph.B., Bucknell University 
LL.B., Columbia University 

Mabel M. Osgood Associate 

Professor and Director of Kindergarten Training School 

M. E., National Kindergarten College 

B. S., Teachers' College, Columbia University 

Mrs. Katherine Graves King 

Assistant Professor and Director Public School Music 

Bachelor of Music, Washburn College 

Graduate American Institute Normal Methods, Chicago 

Post-graduate, Northwestern University 

Pupil Mme. Johann Hess-Burr, Chicago 

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE 

C. N. Adkisson Professor and Director of the Department 

A. B., Central College 

Graduate in Bacteriology, University of Louisville 



258. HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

A. G. Koenig Associate Piofessoi" 

B. A., University of Texas 
A. G. Whitmore Associate Professoi- 

B. A., University of Virginia 

M. A., University of Virginia 

Graduate study in Harvard University 
Agnes E. Sharp Assistant Professor 

B. S., Lewis Institute 

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY 

Willie Isabella Birge Professor and Director of the Department 

M. A., University of Texas 
' "■'' Columbia University 

Elida M. Pearson Assistant Professor 

M. A., University of Texas 
University of Chicago 

Ophelia C. Wesley Assistant Professor 

B. A., University of Texas 
University of Chicago 

DEPARTMENT OF HYGIENE AND HOME NURSING 

Mabel S. Schreiner Professor and Director of the Department 

M. D., Woman's Medical College, Philadelphia 
Graduate Bucknell Seminary 

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION 

Gertrud Helmecke Director of Physical Education 

A. B., University of Michigan 
Graduate Sargent School of Physical Education 
Eliza I. Morgan Assistant Professor 

A. B., Randolph-Macon Woman's College 
Graduate Sargent School of Physical Education 

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC 

Nothera Barton Professor and Director of Piano 

Pupil of Harold von Mickwitz, Ernest Hutcheson, and Rudolph 
Ganz in Berlin and New York 

Lessie Lindsey Associate Professor 

Pupil of Rudolph Ganz, in Berlin 

Pupil of August Fraemicka, New York College of Music 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 259 



Helen Norfleet Associate Professor 

Pupil of Georg Kruger, Ferrigi Culli, and Harold von Mickwitz 

Concert Pianist for Extension Work of Universities of Wisconsin 
and North Dakota 
Hannah Asher Assistant Professor 

Graduate College of Music, University of Southern California 

Pupil of Harry Detweiler, Chicago 

State Director of Teachers of the Effa Ellis Perfield System 
Selma Emelie Tietze Assistant Professor^ 

Pupil of Georg Kruger and Harold von Mickwitz 

Bush Conservatory, Chicago 
Albert G. Pfaff Tenor, Professoi' and Director of Voice 

Pupil of Oscar Seagle, Paris 

Pupil of Von Yorx and Lee, New York 
Stella Lea Owsley Soprano, Assistant Professor 

Pupil of Jean de Reszke, Paris 

Pupil of Oscar Seagle and Richard Epstein, New York 
Alma Ault Assistant Professor and Director of Violin 

Graduate Conservatorium der Musik, Cologne, Germany 

Pupil of Ferdinand Carri, New York 

DEPARTMENT OF EXPRESSION 

S. Justina Smith Pro;fessor and Director of the Department 

Graduate Emerson College of Oratory 
Post-graduate Emerson College of Oratory 

Prances L. Hickok Associate Professor 

A. B., University of Michigan 

Student American Academy of Dramatic Arts 

Olive R. Grover Assistant Professor 

A. B., Boston University 

Graduate Emerson College of Oratory 

DEPARTMENT OF EXTENSION 

ILillian Peek Lecturer and Demonstrator in Home Economics 

A. B., Piedmont College 

B. S., Columbia University 

iNina B. Crigler Lecturer and Demonstrator in Home Economics 

University of Illinois 

B. S., Columbia University 

Irene M. Davidson ; Secretary 



260 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

LIBRARY 

Marian E. Potts _ _ 

Librai'ian and Associate Professoi- of Lihiaiy Methods 

A. B., University of Wisconsin 

B. L. S., University of Wisconsin 

Katherine Ilig-h „ _ Assistant Librarian 

Graduate College of Industrial Arts 

YOUNG WOMKNS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION 

Helen Faye Fair _ General Secretary 

A. B., Washburn College 

Post-graduate National Training School of Y. W. C. A. 

DEPARTMENT OF BIBLE 

Helen S. Staflord Director of Bible Study 

A. B., State University of Kansas 
M. A., State University of Kansas 
Bible Training in Oborlin Theological Seminary 

REGISTRAR 

C. A, Tripp „ „ Registrar 

Graduate Central State Normal School of Michigan 
University of Wisconsin 

OTHER OFFICERS OF ADMINISTRATION 

Ara Jackson Secretary to the President 

Sarah Best Director of State Dormitories 

Mamie Lucas Secretary to Director of State Dormitories 

Mrs. Virginia Meade Cave Dietitian, State Dormitories 

W. E. Waggoner 

Storekeeper and Purchasing Agent, State Dormitories 

Mrs. F. B. Carioll Director Methodist Dormitory 

W. E. Spencer „ Auditor 

Douglas Penry „ Cashier and Bookkeeper 

George G. Welch _ _ Executive Secretary 

Mrs. Gertrude West Secretary to the Registrar 

Mrs. C. L. Van Liew Secretary to the Dean of College 

Flora May Grady Secretary to the Dean of Women 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 261 

MRS. STODDARD AND THE C. I. A. 

In recording the history of the College of Industrial Arts, 
and of the ten years of campaign preceding its establishment, 
Mrs. Helen M. Stoddard, for several years president of the Texas 
W. C. T. U., has carefully refrained from revealing the part 
performed by herself, being so happily contented with the 
achievement of the victory. Here was a wonderful vision of the 
present and future needs of womankind. She devoted her time 
and energies to the accomplishment of her great purposes. Her 
vision was clear, reasonable, and full of blessings to her sex in 
particular, and to humanity in general. 

Not only could Mrs. Stoddard see and understand the future, 
but she had the constructive ability to plan and direct for the 
best. No matter how much she may try to remain in the back- 
ground of this institution, happy in the consciousness of her 
instrumentality in raising multitudes of her sex from darkness 
and drudgery to a higher and better life, she cannot be thus 
hidden from the historian nor long veiled from an appreciative 
public. When the glories of this magnificient institution, just 
now in the bud, shall blossom forth, in full splendor, Mrs. Stod- 
dard's handwriting shall be seen upon the wall. 

The bill creating the College of Industrial Arts is in her hand- 
v/riting. Although originally drawn by Colonel Baker in 1891, 
she came to his rescue — no, came to aid in the rescue of her 
people. In her honor, Stoddard Hall was named by the State. 

The following extracts are made from the addresses deliver- 
el by Mrs. Stoddard. The complete addresses may be found in 
To tlic Noon Rest, by Miss Fanny L. Armstrong: 

From her Granbury address. May 22, 1901 : 

"For four successive legislatures we have petitioned the 
legislature for the Industrial Institute and College for White 
Girls." 

Her Terrell address. May, 1902 — summing up the organiza- 
tion work: 

"See the age of protection raised in every State but two, and 
in Texas, see the Industrial Institute and College for Girls, all re- 



262 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

suiting largely from a direct and persistent petitioning and agi- 
tating for some definite thing." 

"For generations we have had for our motto: 'Save the 
boys,' In view of the suffering that comes to the wife of a 
drunkard and the misery that comes to the mother of children 
deficient in nerve-power and moral calibre, we should add to our 
motto 'Save the girls.' " 

"To Governor Joseph D. Sayers belongs the distinction of 
being just enough to interpret the word 'persons' in the bill to 
mean woman as well as man. He has also shown his honest 
thought, and an appreciation of his century by appointing three 
women upon the Board of Regents of the new college." 

In her Fort Worth address of 1903, to the W. C. T. U., 
she said: 

"Whatever turn our women may take as to industry, through 
whatever trade or profession she may choose to express herself, 
it can never make anything of a woman, but a woman still. 
As each new function is developed, as her intelligence increases, 
her distinctive feminine qualities increase, and the out- 
come will be a grander being to mother a greatly developed 
human race. Hitherto we have imagined that a more or less 
defined 'instinct' would see her through, but more and more we 
see our mistakes and now we are amazed that we could have 
deemed ourselves reasoning beings, and have felt so little interest 
in the most stupendous question of the age — motherhood." 



EAST SIDK siiiAKi:, (in oi m \iii\, 'iKXAS. 




SOITII SIDK sol A1;K. (-11 V OK l>K\I(i\ MX A- 



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NORTH SIDE SQUARE, CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS. 




WEST SIDE SQUARE, CITY OF DENTON, TEXAS. 



CHAPTER XIII 

Cities and Towns 

the city of denton 

The present city of Denton speaks for itself. We are now 
concerned only with its history leading up to a city of seven 
thousand inhabitants. 

Denton was chosen the county seat of Denton County on the 
first Tuesday in November, 1856, and had its lot sale on January 
10, 1857. The records were moved into the new courthouse in 
April, 1857. The city had one hundred acres of land deeded to it 
and had a splendid opportunity to lay off the city in blocks and 
lots in regular order, but for some reason did not do so. 

Denton was incorporated September 26, 1866. The charter 
provided for a mayor and five aldermen to be elected by the 
people. 

The Legislature granted the city of Denton a new charter 
on May 28, 1873, defining the city's boundaries as follows : ' 

"Beginning at a point one mile north of the center of the pub- 
lic square of the said town, thence east one mile, thence south 
two miles, thence west two miles, thence north two miles, thence 
east one mile to the place of beginning." ' 

The charter provided for the election of a mayor and five 
aldermen. This was afterwards amended, providing for a mayor 
and two aldermen from each ward (or eight in all), to be elected 
by the people. 

The Legislature at a subsequent session passed a law vali- 
dating all prior acts of the city council and mayor which per- 
tained to the corporation. This law was supposed to have ''cured" 
a number of perplexing features. 

On April 4, 1914, the people of Denton adopted a new charter, 



264 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




DENTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 265 

formed by a committee of fourteen citizens and voted on under 
the enabling act. It was called the managerial commission form 
and extends the borders of the city on the north and west sides. 
It provides for five commissioners, to be elected by the people, to 
serve for two years each, without renumeration, and empowers 
them to appoint a mayor and redelegate power to him to appoint 
all other officers and discharge them at discretion. It provides for 
initiative, referendum, and recall, but the recall is only for offi- 
cers elected and does not extend to officers appointed. Only the 
commissioners can be recalled. It provides for a tax of not ex- 
ceeding $1.80 on the one hundred dollars. 

In article III, section 5, it provides that the commission 
shall promote in any way it sees fit the welfare of the city of 
Denton and its inhabitants subject only to the limitations im- 
posed by the constitution and laws of this State and by the pro- 
visions of this charter. 

The first courthouse was built in 1857 on the north side of 
the square. It burned Christmas week, 1875. The next was a 
two-story brick structure built in the center of the square by 
contract which was let to J. H. Britton, May 31, 1876, for $40,000, 
by Commissioners Ben Moss, S. H. Smith, M. W. Deavenport, 
and A. J. Nance. It was condemned as unsafe in 1894 by Com- 
missioners Hoard Smith, J. C. Brannon, C. W. Bates, and J. M. 
Miller, after which it was razed. 

The present courthouse v/as built by J. F. Morgan, W. N. 
Jackson, C. W. Bates, and J. M. Miller as county commissioners, 
by contract piece work and day labor in 1895-96, and cost 
$147,000.00. 

The city of Denton bought the electric light and water plant 
from the Denton Water & Light Company June 10, 1905, and it 
was transferred to the city July 5, 1905, for $65,000 ; $15,000 was 
to be paid in five annual payments of $3,000 each; and the city 
assumed the payment of $50,000 bonded indebtedness bearing 
six per cent, interest payable semi-annually, the gold bonds being 
payable in 1922. The city was to pay this out of the revenues 
of the plant. The city issued $25,000 of forty-year bonds and 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



267 



made extension of the system to thirteen miles of mains. The 
sewer system was added and many other extensions made. 

In the year 1908 the unsanitary condition of the city and the 
typhoid fever epidemic in July and August produced a strenuous 
effort to build a sanitary sewer for the city. 

The city's bonding capacity at that time was only $12,500, 
and it was estimated that $25,000 would build the sewer. 

The bonds were issued and the following firms and individ- 
uals manifested their public-spiritedness and confidence in the 
city by loaning to it the remainder and taking sewer warrants 
bearing eight per cent, interest payable annually, dividing the 
principal into seven equal payments. To them much credit is 
due for the sewer system of the city. The names and amounts 
are as follows : 



W. T. Bailey 

J. B. Schmitz .... 
J. B. Wilson & Company 

E. E. Cobb 

Magill & Shepard . . . 

J. W. Cook 

E. C. Smith 

Tom Lovell 

W. M. Stroud .... 

Ed F. Bates 

College of Industrial Arts 



100 
100 
100 
50 
100 
100 
100 
100 
800 
200 
851.52 



Exchange National Bank . . $2,100 

Denton County National Bank 2,100 

First National Bank .... 2,100 

A. E. Graham 2,100 

Denton Milling Compay . . 500 

Alliance Milling Company . . 500 

W. B. McClurkan 500 

Jarrell-Evans Company . . 500 

J. R. Christal ...... 150 

R. H. Evers 300 

C. F. Witherspoon .... 150 

F. M. Craddock 150 

O. M. Curtis 100 

J. F. Raley 100 

Long & Turner 100 

Denton Trust Company ... 100 Grand Total .... $26,791.70 

For this amount the city had built by Truehart & Jackson, 
contractors, eight and seven-tenths miles of first-class sewer 
mains and a septic tank (built from the Cameron patent) . The 
septic tank cost $5,100. This was considered a great feat upon 
the part of the city, as several private companies had estimated 
its cost at $65,000. 

The city added this to the water works department and made 
its service free to all alike, rich and poor, as an inducement for all 



Total $14,151.52 

Bond Sales ..... 12,640.18 










1; 

! 

; ! II If4 




m 1.1 ' hr^ 



'^- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 269 

to make connection with it, making the city sanitary. People 
low wonder why we did not secure the system before, but our 
necessity forced the constructive mind of the people to find a way 
md to do the work. 

The sewer warrants have been paid and $2,500 sewer bonds 
paid and there remains to be paid only $10,000, of which there is 
^1,574.85 in the sinking fund to meet it. 

The assets and liabilities of Denton, from a statement of 
from June 1, 1916 to May 31, 1917 are as follows : 

ASSETS OF CITY 

STet cash balance $ 13,690.87 

Abater and Light Plant _ 209,997.08 

:ity Hall 8,000.00 

Lot on I. 0. 0. F. Street 75.00 

:.ot on West Hickory Street 888.00 

?ive Acre Dumping Grounds 350.00 

Dumping Grounds No. 2 500.00 

>avel Pit _ 1,000.00 

IJalaboose, Cages, Etc. 350.00 

3ffice Fixtures 516.40 

5ewer Plant 31,892.98 

Sanitary Department Equipment 32.50 

Street and Bridge Property 7,996.15 

Fire Department Property 16,826.00 

Sigh School Buildings 68,250.00 

Zlentral School Buildings „ 40,000.00 

^forth Side School 24,500.00 

^est Side School 11,000.00 

Colored School, including vacant lots 7,250.00 

Special Assessments, Paving, Etc. 175.24 



$443,290.22 




I :: 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 271 

LIABILITIES — BONDED INDEBTEDNESS 

mton Water, Light and Power Co. Bonds $20,000.00 

meral Indebtedness Funding Bonds 2,547.55 

hool House Improvements 5,500.00 

hool House Improvements No. 2 9,500.00 

hool Debt Funding 7,000.00 

wer Construction 10,000.00 

ater Works Construction , _ 19,000.00 

reet and Sidewalk Bonds : 10,000.00 

hool House Improvement No. 3 75,000.00 

hool House Improvement No. 4 20,000.00 

Total Bonds $178,547.55 

wer Scrip Outstanding 16.00 

Total Indebtedness $178,563.55 

it Present Worth of City $264,726.67 

$443,290.22 

The city of Denton has had the following mayors : Dempsey 

ckson, W. C. Bobbitt, R. B. Coleman, D. J. Edleman, J. W. Jagoe, 
L. Herbert, M. W. Deavenport, Sr., 0. P. Poe, J. A. Carroll, 
C. Smith, W. L. McCormick, T. J. Simmons, Ed F. Bates, W. L. 

>reman, Sam G. Gary, P. J. Beyett. 

The charter commission was composed of W. L. McCormick, 
J. Beyett, W. B. Bizzell, Robert H. Hopkins, J. Ed. Wilson, 

. C. Edwards, Joe L. Blewett, Lee Zumwalt, J. C. Coit, M. L. 

artin, W. B. McClurkan, J. M. Inge, J. W. Beaty, W. H. Bruce, 

id F. F. Hill. 

The new charter provided for five commissioners and the 
llowing gentlemen have served : J. C. Coit, R. H. Evers, W. B. 
cClurkan, J. E. Wilson, F. F. Hill, M. L. Martin, W. A. Talia- 
rro, and 0. M. Curtis. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 273 

THE CITY OF PILOT POINT 

Pilot Point is in the northeastern part of Denton County, 
three miles from the Cooke County line and six miles from the 
Collin County line. At an early day there was a large grove of 
post oak timber extending out into the prairie on this high ridge, 
which could be seen for many miles and especially from the Collin 
County ridge. 

There being no roads in the early days, people, of course, 
traveled by visible objects as guides and this grove was used 
as a pilot to the traveler, and from this fact received its name 
of Pilot Point. 

Its first settlement was made in 1846 or 1847. At that 
time there was a spring just northwest of the grove, which fur- 
nished water for camping purposes and was a favorite camping 
place for Indians, rangers and cowboys. The first settlers were 
the Edlemans and Elmores, and the first child born here was 
L. Z. Edleman in 1856. A Missionary Baptist church was or- 
ganized here in 1857, but no records of about fifteen years of 
its early history could be found. Since 1870 the following pas- 
tors have served the church in the order named : J. R. Masters, 
E. B. Hardin, R. T. Gardner, S. A. Beauchamp, G. B. Eli, J. A. 
Moore, J. B. Cole, A. H. Norris, B. S. Gay, H. B. Ingram, E. S. 
Haynes, J. D. Ballard, C. A. Worley, J. 0. Hearn, A. P. School- 
field, J. F. Segraves, S. H. Slaughter, Joseph Thedford, and 
Luther Moores. 

The Methodist church was organized in 1856 by Rev. William 
E. Bates, a minister who was then riding the Gainesville Mis- 
sion under an appointment from the East Texas Conference. He 
preached as far west as just south of Decatur. Pilot Point had 
the following preachers: William E. Bates, J. W. Chalk, J. S. 
Nobles, M. C. Blackburn, E. W. Alderson, T. E. Sherwood, J. R. 
Wages, M. W. Letherwood, A. T. Crawford, W. H. Hughes, W. W. 
Graham, J. M. Burkley, and others. 

The first Methodist church house was built in 1871 and was 
a wooden structure. The second was a brick building and was 



274 HISTORY OF DKN'TON COUNTY 

built in 1883-84. It was dedicated on the second Sunday in No- 
vember, 1886 by Bishop C. B. Galloway, assisted by Rev. J. W. 
Chalk, of Bonham, Rev. W. M. Shelton. presiding eldei'. and J. R. 
Wages, preacher in charge. 

The choir was made up of the best singers in the city ; Prof. 
C. E. Obenchain at the organ, assisted by Miss M, M. Hubbard, 
Miss Fannie Davis and Mrs. A. G. Dowdell ; Messrs. A. M. Rag- 
Jand, J. A. L. McFarlane, J. C. Newberry, Robert Wilson, M. H. 
Ellis, Henry Williams and George Noble. After the dedication 
the audience sang "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." The Bishop 
preached at night on "God's Providence." This was a day long 
remembered by the Methodists. 

The present splendid brick building, w^hich is modern and 
beautiful, was erected in 1910, and was dedicated in 1914 by 
Bishop E. E. Hoss. It was erected under the pastorate of Rev. 
W. F. Bryant. 

The Pilot Point Presbyterian church was organized on Au- 
gust 18, 1875. R. E. Sherrill as evangelist of the East Texas 
Presbytery, with John C. Newberry and T. H. N. Wylie as elders 
and George W. Davidson as deacon. Newberry and Wylie are 
now living (1916) and are elders. The church house is a wooden 
structure and conveniently located. The following preachers 
nave served this church: W. E. Sherrill, W. W. Hill, G. W. 
Boggs, H. B. Bonde, W. S. Johnson, R. S. Burrell, Y. W. McClure, 
J. G. Henderson, Ernest Thompson, C. M. Hutton. They are now 
a member of the Dallas Presbytery. 

The settlement began by settlers first and then in about 
1857 Major Walcot built a store and Doctor Edleman began the 
practice of medicine and the village began to grow and take shape. 

In 1860 the town was plotted and laid off. The public square 
was three hundred feet square and the adjoining territory for 
460 feet each way was laid off, making the plotted town four 
hundred and six yards square. This has since been added to as 
required for the development of the city. The war of 1861 stopped 
all development for a period of ten years. 

On October 8, 1866 the Legislature passed an act incor- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 275 



porating the town of Pilot Point, providing for a mayor and five 
aldermen, a constable, who acted as assessor and collector. The 
act contains seven sections providing for a full-fledged city and 
was approved by the Reconstruction governor. 

On November 12, 1866, thirty-five days later, the same Legis- 
lature passed an act to extend the provisions of the earlier act, 
[providing for the incorporation of towns and cities approved on 
January 27, 1858. This act included the towns of Denton and 
Pilot Point in Denton County. 

The Thirteenth Legislature, on June 2, 1873, passed a bill 
amending the Pilot Point charter of October 8, 1866, and re- 
enacting the same in full with some amendments. The city was 
organized under this law and conducted a government for several 
.years, then dissolving the organization, but not the charter. The 
city reorganized later and is nov/ controlled by a city government. 

On February 8, 1875 the Fourteenth Legislature passed an 
act prohibiting persons with or without license to sell, barter, or 
give away, or in any manner dispose of any spirituous, vinous, or 
other intoxicating liqnors within a radius of five m'les of Pilot 
Point, in Denton County, Texas, and fixing the penalty for viola- 
tion of the same. This law was called statutory prohibition. 
This was the Republican idea of that time and it was very un- 
popular. It was not well enforced and was openly evaded by 
"blind tigers." The constitution of 1876 followed it the next 
year and it provided for local option and repealed the constitu- 
tion of 1869 and rendered this statutory prohibition act null 
and void. 

In 1856 or 1857 the people began to provide for schools in 
first one form and then another, using the best way possible. It 
was crude, but it was the best they could do at that time. The 
first school taught was by a Professor Knight, nick-named "Yan- 
kee Knight." It was a subscription school, taught in the sum- 
mer, and called a summer school. 

When the war of 1861 came, everything in the way of im- 
provements was brought to an end. The sound of the bugle was 
heard and Capt. S. W. Merchant raised a company of cavalry 



2TG HISTOKV OF DENTON COUNTY 

at Pilot Point on February 15, 1862, consisting of one hundred 
men, with James W. Bates first lieutenant and C. W. Merchant 
second lieutenant. (The muster roll appears under the title ol 
The War), This company joined Col. M. P. Johnson's regiment 
in the C. S. A. Pilot Point sent her best men to the front, and 
those who were permitted to return saw the little city staggering 
under a crime wave that had spread over the country, had almost 
blighted the hopes of the law-abiding people, and was retardinj; 
the growth of the town. But the lawless element was finally 
subdued. 

The Texas & Pacific railroad in 1874 built its road by this 
place and stimulated its commerce and inspired the people with 
new hopes and energy. 

The people had foi'med a joint stock company and built a 
seminary or high school, employing Prof. J. C. Newberry. He 
and Professor Brooks taught it for a period of years, and Prof. 
M. B. Franklin, a noted educator, took charge of it in 1877 and 
established a splendid school. He conducted it until his health 
failed. In about 1885 he sold the property to Mr. Dowdell. Mr. 
Dowdell then sold it to Miss Buster and Miss O'Neal and they 
conducted the school for a period of years, afterwards selling it 
to Prof. T. E, Peters, who taught it for a period of five years. 
Professor Peters then transferred the school to Rev. W. L. Rodg- 
ers for a Nazarene school, church and orphanage. This school 
had a good reputation and drew patronage from the surrounding 
country and was a great factor in the upbuilding of the town, 
intellectually and morally. 

Private schools gave way to public free schools here as 
elsewhere. Credit for the free school fund had been given to 
pupils, but it was not satisfactory. Prof. S. L. Strong established 
and taught a free school in the south side of the town, and by 
operation of law he was entitled to and received all of the free 
school students. This so weakened the seminary as to cause its 
discontinuance. 

The following letter was received from the State Superin- 
tendent by a Pilot Point lady who was interested. It was pub- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 277 



lished in the Denton Chronicle at the request of the recipient: 

Austin, Texas, October 29, 1888. 

I will say that if I understand your statement, each child within the 
scholastic age, resident in the school district according to the terms of the 
contract is entitled to free tuition for three months any time during the 
term of ten months. This being the case the school must be absolutely 
free to the child for three months out of the ten. The teachers or trustees 
have no right to exact an incidental fee from pupils within the scholastic age. 

If the teachers maintain that they are teaching a private school, and 
not teaching a public school in accordance with the laws governing public 
schools, their contracts should be cancelled and the public school fund with- 
held. Furthermore, all schools receiving any part of the public school fund 
must be regarded as public schools subject to the control of public school 
trustees and the law governing the same. OtherAvise they are not entitled 
to any of the public school fund. 

Oscar H. Cooper, 
Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

The people of Pilot Point, frustrated in their undertaking by 
the State, graciously yielded and united their efforts with the 
State to build up a first-class free school in the city, and step by 
step made improvements. The house was rebuilt into a modern 
brick structure, the school standardized and graded, an indepen- 
dent school district formed and a special tax of fifty cents levied 
to supplement the fund. It is conducted under the management 
of trustees G. E. Light, president ; H. M. Russell, vice-president ; 
W. B. McShan, secretary ; F. S. Wilson ; J. R. Jones ; Henry Selz ; 
W. B. Montgomery. 

LEWISVILLE 

Lewisville is a flourishing town in the southeast part of Den- 
ton County, on the M., K. & T. Railroad from Dallas to Denton, on 
the east end of Holford's Prairie near the brakes of Big Elm. 

This part of Denton County was the first to settle and we 
had a settlers' store by the Peters Colony at Stewartsville, or 
Office Branch, in the latter days of the Republic and several trad- 
ing houses and band mills at different places on Holford's Prairie. 
The public energies of this people finally began to concentrate at 
Lewisville. 

In 1862, Rawlings, Kealy & Hearod built a grist mill here. 



278 HISTORY OF DKN'TOX COUNTY 

Then Steve Doisett moved his trading house from about one mile 
west down. In 1865 E. K. Rawlins put in a stock of dry goods, 
and in 1S66 J. D. Rawlins built a good fiame store building. In 
1867 Joe Minor built a business house, and in that year T. M. 
Clayton and George Craft built here the first cotton gin built in 
Denton County. The people of Denton County and west patron- 
ized the gin. The town gradually grew and increased in favor 
with the trading public. 

In 1881 the Dallas & Wichita Railroad (now the M., K. & T.) 
I'eached the suburbs of the town and the town gained new life 
and eneigy. It has developed into one of the best trading points 
in the county. There is no public square — just a main street 
formation from east to west with about thirty brick buildings 
fronting the street. Nearly all lines of trade are represented. 

There is a good city high school, and the Methodist, Baptist, 
and Presbyterians have churches in keeping with the develop- 
ment of the town. 

OTHER TOWNS 

Justin, Ponder, Krum, and Sanger, towns established by the 
Santa Fe Railroad, are situated in the western part of the county, 
known as the wheat-belt, and cover the territory formerly covered 
by Elizabethtown, Stony and Bolivar. Aubrey, Argyle, and Roan- 
oke, established by the Texas & Pacific ; Garza, established by the 
M., K. & T., and Hebron, by the Frisco Railroad, are comparative- 
ly new towns, and are rapidly building up to meet the wants of 
their people. 

These towns have churches, postoffices, banks, schools, mills, 
elevators, and commercial entei'prises equal to their necessities, 
and are dependent upon the agricultural resources of the sur- 
rounding country for their support. 

On account of having railroad transportation these towns 
have good markets for their agricultural products, which en- 
ables them to maintain their local trade centers and build up 
their communities. 

We have several lural villages and trading houses in various 
pai'ts of the county, but for lack of marketing facilities their 
development necessarily will be slow and uncertain. 



CHAPTER XIV 

Denton County and the War With Germany 

The gi-eat war between the Allies and the Central Powers 
has at last touched the homes of Denton County. This contest 
between democracy on the one hand and militaristic autocracy on 
the other, as we know, is a struggle between the forces of civili- 
zation and those of barbarism. In the early stages of the war the 
struggle seemed so remote that many of us did not realize that it 
was our contest which was being fought for us by the Allies, and 
many of us felt no special interest in the struggle. 

When Germany began her ruthless submarine campaign, the 
war began to hold a different interest for Americans. Cowards 
and pacifists might regard as a "technicality" the sinking of the 
Lusitania, laden with noncombatant men, women, and babies ; and 
pro-German apologists might regard as "military necessity" the 
dastardly work of the assassin submarines, but intelligent Ameri- 
cans realized that we were being drawn into the great struggle. 

When Congress declared war on Germany many of us deeply 
regretted that that action was necessary, but it is now generally 
conceded that had we been prepared we should have entered the 
war earlier. Even closer to our homes came the war when 
Company M, Seventh Texas Infantry, was organized. We were 
then more fully realizing that it was our war. 

Some of the best manhood of Denton County has enlisted 
in Company M, Seventh Texas Infantry, whose muster roll is an 
honor roll. There are other honor rolls upon which appear the 
names of patriotic citizens of Denton County. Some of these 
patriots are listed in this chapter. Keen regret is felt at our in- 
ability to furnish even an approximately complete list of these 
patriotic men. No complete list is accessible at this time, and 



280 HISTORY OF DEXTOX COUNTY 



there is no means of securing data for such a hst befoi'e these 
pages go to press. Even before the formal declaration of wai", 
young men of Denton County had begun to respond to the patri- 
otic desire to serve their country, going to various pails of the 
State and to points outside of the State for the purpose of en- 
listing in various branches of service. These conditions make ex- 
tremely difficult, if not impossible, the compilation, at this time, 
of a complete roll of Denton County patriots of 1917. 

The files of the Denton Recoid-Clironicle have been the chief 
source of the names which are presented in this chapter. To 
the editor, W. C. Edwards, we wish to express gratefulness for 
the privilege of free access to the files of the paper up to the time 
these paces were prepared for the printer. Tf omissions or errors 
have crept into the list as gleaned, they have occurred in spite 
of exceeding care in the compilation. After this incomplete roll 
of Denton County pati'iots is in type, there will be honorable 
discharges for this or that cause, one being the applicants' in- 
ability to measure up to the rigid physical requirements. This 
should in no manner detract from the fact that the applicant 
possessed the desire to serve his country and that he gladly 
offered his services. 

In oui' hearts thei'e is a warm feeling for the patriots of 
Denton County. We would give much for a complete roll of 
these noble men who are fighting our battle. The soil of France 
and of other war-ravaged countries will be bathed in their blood, 
but those of us who cannot or do not serve in the ranks must do 
our part through contributions to the two organizations which 
mean so much to our fighting forces — the American Red Cross 
and the Young Men's Christian Association. Our dollars must 
fi:^*ht for us if we are to measure up to our responsibility to our 
countiy aixl to the boys who stand between us and the bar- 
barians arrayed against us — the Huns who have committed 
eery conceivable atrocity upon men, women and children in the 
countries whose dismemberment they would achieve. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



281 



MUSTER ROLL 

OFFICERS 

Noah Roark, Captain, 
Clark Owsley, 

First Lieutenant, 
James B. Stiff, 

Second Lieutenant, 
Don E. West, 

First Sergeant, 
Joe S. Stiff, 

Supply Sergeant, 
A. 0. McNitzky, 

Mess Sergeant, 

SERGEANTS 

John S. Clark, 
Grover C. Graham, 
John T. Jones, 
Frank Johnston, 
Homer B. Klepper, 
Lilliard H. Ligon, 
Claude Miller, 
Alonzo V. Price. 

CORPORALS 

Richard W. Bass, 
Norman L. Collins, 
Lawrence L. Eades, 
Richard V. Elliott, 
Raymond E. Fox, 
R. E. Garrison, 
Tullus P. Holmes, 
George L. Holmes, 
Horace D. McKinney, 
James B. Miller, 
James O. Moffett, 
John A. Nicholson, 
Harry A. Powell, 
Jacob Price. 
Standlee D. Roberts, 
Eris R. Turner. 

MECHANICS 

William Hawk. 
Charles B. Walker. 



COMPANY M, SEVENTH 

COOKS 

W. F. Coker. 
Tom Ray, 

Jesse E. Shelton, 

MUSICIANS 

Wylie G. Baze, 
Richard M. Files. 

PRIVATES 

Roy N. Allen, 
Bryan P. Autrey, 
George Amen, 
John F. Bain, 
Ernest Bell, 
Joe Berry, 
William W. Bennett, 
Leonard L. Blocker, 
Ernest H. Boggs, 
Earl Bradford, 
David H. Bradshaw, 
Horace P. Brooks, 
Fred A. Butler, 
Hugh Lee Butler, 
Robert E. Bryant, 
John Burrow, 
Eulius H. Gates, 
Ollis S. Chalmers, 
Ben O. Chambers, 
Bemice R. Clark,. 
Clifford Coberly, 
Frank M. Collins, 
Robert E. Cowan, 
Thomas H. Collier, 
George W. Coulter, 
Wm. R. Corley, 
Martie E. Crout, 
Sidney Crout, 
Roy W. Cunningham, 
R. 0. Curtis, 
Will C. Curtis, 
Floyd Dennis, 
Morris E. Downs, 



TEXAS INFANTRY 
Alonzo R. Edwards, 
Frank R. Elkin, 
Harry E. Elliott, 
V. Olen Elliott, 
Clarence F. Faulkner, 
Frank L. Fitzhugh, 
Thomas P. Foster, 
Eugene W. Fouts, 
James A. Franks, 
Leroy Fuqua, 
Clyde Graves, 
Thomas J. Gates, 
Claude E. Garrison, 
Orion S. Garnett, 
Willie E. Goodger, 
Claude L. Godwin, 
Thomas J. Harp, 
Willie F. Harp, 
Lewis H. Harrell, 
Charlie Harris, 
Spencer L. Hart, 
James A. Henderson, 
Thurman B. Henderson, 
Troy J. Huffington, 
Wm. B. Isbell, 
Dave Jester, 
Charlie H. Johnson, 
Sam J. Jones, 
James M. King, 
Roy C. King, 
Earl Kincaid, 
Henry Lasher, 
Wm. A. Marr, 
Claude F. McClelland, 
Lewis Berry McDaniel, 
Charles McDonald, 
Stanley D. Matthews, 
Vuie Maxwell, 
William C. McCoy, 
Leonard Mitchell, 
Jesse J. Moody, 



282 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



liobert K. Nail, 
John A. Nation, 
Hubert Pickering, 
Herschel Patman, 
Lonnie Patman, 
Jesse L. Powers, 
Bert S. Phink, 
Jadie B. Price, 
Lloyd Price, 
Homer N. Pruitt, 
David S. Rice, 
Lawrence W. Riney, 
Thomas J. Riney, 
James T. Russell, 
Samuel E. Scivally, 
Horace Shelton, 



Jerry W. Shepherd, 
Kd H. Schleinat, 
James Sisson, 
James H. Skiles, 
Earl Smith, 
Georg-e B. Smith, 
Michael Smyth, 
John Springer, 
Roy E. Stone, 
James A. Sweeny, 
Warren P. Swinney, 
Guy W. Swisher, 
Ben H. Taliaferro, 
George W. Ten*y, 
Dewey C. Wardlow, 
Will W. Wadkins, 



Lawrence A. Wells, 
Charles W. White, 
Virgil A. White, 
Frank W. Whitten, 
Lewis Wilcoxson, 
R. J. Williams. 
Robert H. Wilson, 
Bertie D. Wood, 
J. T. Woods, 
Joe C. Wolfe, 
Richard V. Wolfe, 
George W. Wooldridge, 
John Woolley, 
Clifford W. Young. 



DENTON COUNTY EXEMPTION BOARD APPOINTED 

As orginally announced, the Denton County Exemption 
Board consisted of F. A. Wright, chairman, Dr. J. E. Copenhaver, 
and A. Wayne Robertson ; Miss Molhe Hodges, clerk. PreHminary 
work was begun on July 30, 1917. Examining physicians have 
included the following: E. W. Breihan, M. D. Fullingim, J. E. 
Copenhaver, D. F. Kirkpatrick, P. Lipscomb. George Vaught, of 
Denton, bears the distinction of being the first man certified by 
the Board. 

List of men accepted, including names of those who intend 
to file claims foi- agricultural reasons : 



George Adams, 
John R. Adcock, 
Albert Adkisson, 
B. E. Alexander, 
Carl Amos, 
F. A. Anderson, 
Sim Anderson, 
William Andrews, 
Elmo Angel 1, 
John W. Bailey, Jr., 
Ricliaid Bailey, 
John Bain, 



B. Baker, 
Frank L. Ballard, 
H. A. Barnard, 
James P. Beale, 
Kearie L. Berry, 
Albert Billups, 
Augustus R. Body, 
Geo. S. Bradley, 
J. Kearney Brim, 
F^arl Davis Brownd, 
P"'red Brown, 
Luther Brotherton, 



Vernon Brownlow, 
Homer L. Bruce, 
W. Bruce, 
Lewis Burgy, 
H. S. Burgess, 
Alvin Bush, 
S. S. Carter, 
Robert Castleberry, 
Ben O. Chambers, 
Homer Chastain, 
William Chenoweth, 
J. McPherson Chism, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



283 



John Cobb, 

Yewell B. Coleman, 

Israel Cox, 

Ray A. Crawford, 

Bruce Crites, 

Richard B. Cunningham 

Frederick D. Curtsinger 

Chas. W. Davis, 

Clyde L. Davis, 

Fred Davis, 

J. R. Davis, 

Chas. Davidson, 

Edgar Davidson, 

C. E. Dawson, 

Thomas Dillard, 

Sid Eidson, 

C. M. Elbert, 

Carl O. Elder, 

Earl Elder, 

H. M. Ellison, 

Lucius H. Elliott, 

Walter Faerber, 

Robert H. Fenton, 

Claud Foster, 

Jerry S. Fowler, 

James A. Franks, 

Curtis Fry. 

Homer L. Fry, 

Ollie Gaines, 

Bernard Gant, 

Webster Garrett, 

W. E. George, 

George M. Glidewell, 

Rhea Goode, 

Alfred Grant, 

Kirby Gray, 

Allen Grisham, 

John Hall, 

Calvin L. Hamilton, 

Luther Hamilton, 

Wm. J. Harbert, 

Hiram O. Harper, 

Lewis W. Harrel, 



Onus L. Hensley, 
Lewis J. Herrington, 
Ted Hill, 
Tyler Hill, 
Samuel L. Higgins, 
Anire Hixton, 
Bert Hodges, 
Mack B. Hodges, 
Luther Hoffman, 
James Hokett, 
Monroe Hopkins, 
Bob Hopper, 
Jerome Horton, 
W. R. House, 
Alfred P. Huffman, 
F. P. Hughes, 
William A. Hurst, 
Abney Ivey, 
John I. Jenkins, 
Caleb A. Jones, 
Jesse Jones, 
Walter S. Jones, 
J. M. Judge, 
Robert Kelsay, 
Howard Kendrick, 
William V. King, 
Carl Kirkpatrick, 
Orville Klepper, 
Edgar E. Koon, 
Jess R. Lamb, 
Arthur Landreth, 
W. C. Landtripp, 
William Lawrence, 
Vacco V. Layfield, 
Lon W. Ledbetter, 
Rufus B. Lee, 
Wilbur R. Lindsey, 
J. R. Lipscomb, 
George V. Long, 
John N. Mann, 
Arthur Marchbanks, 
John McCormick, 
John McDade, 



Charlie McDonald, 

James McDowell, 

J. F. McDowell, 

Guy Melton, 

Olin W. Middleton, 

Chas. Y. Milliken, 

Jim Mims, 

Henry Mitchell, 

John Henry Moore, 

Alfred H. Morrison, 

A. A. Moser, 

Edgar Myers, 

J. H. Nelson, 

John Newsome, 

Sam Norman, 

W. J. Obartz, 

Luther T. Odom, 

John H. Orr, 

Major Alvin M. Owsley, 

Holtrich Pomeranke, 

James Potts, 

Jesse L. Powers, 

Lloyd Price, 

Ray C. Price, 

G. W. Pritchett, 

Haase Ramos, 

J. Newton Rayzor, 

Sam B. Rayzor, 

Fred* Reese, 

Manson Reese, 

M. L. Rhoades, 

Ector H. Roberts, 

H. E. Roberts, 

F. B. Rogers, 

Jess Rogers, 

Wm. C. Rogers, 

Earl Ross, 

Joel R. Ross, 

Walter Ross, 

George N. Rucker, 

Ray Sadler, 

Carlos Sanchez, 

Charley Scliilly, 



284 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Ed Schleinat, 
John M. Segraves, 
Joe L. Shai'ber. 
E. F. Sharp, 
Olin S. Shifflett, 
Charlie Simmons, 
A. Paul Simpson, 
Elmer Simpson, 
Paul Simpson, 
Pfaeffle Simpson, 
Joe C. Sisstrunk, 
Dr. Jack L. Skiles, 
Rollie Sloan, 
Alfred F. Smith, 
Emory Smith, 
Peck Smith, 
William F. South, 
Thos. L. Sowders, 



Thomas Stallings, 
Hurl StiflF, 
Tytus Stone, 
Robert Talley, 
Wm. Taylor, 
George W. Terry, 
Lonnie Thomas, 
Thomas G. Thompson, 
David C. Thurman, 
J. W. Todd, 
G. R. Tomlinson, 
Leonard C. Tyson, 
G. C. Vaughn, 
Geo. E. Vaught, 
Ray S. Wakefield, 
Willie Waldo, 
Gilbert Waldrip, 



Tom L. Watson, 
James M. Wattam, 
Haise Williams, 
Sam T. Williams, 
X. L. Williams, 
Levy Wilson, 
William H. Wilson, 
Everett Wolfenberger, 
Otis Woodruff, 
George W. Wooldredge, 
W\Tine Woolley, 
Joe Wright, 
Emmett WjTin, 
Eldon Young, 
Paul Young, 
H. C. Van Zandt, 
Alvin Wilkinson, 
Jesse Wilks. 



John P. Watson, 

The second contingent of Denton County's draft quota left 
Denton on a special train at 6:80 a. m. Wednesday, September 
19, 1917, to report at Camp Travis Wednesday night. The nine- 
ty-eight men, in charge of J. B. Cunningham, Jr., and Warren B. 
Clements, both of Denton, were given godspeed by a considerable 
crowd of Denton people despite the eai'ly hour and all appeared 
cheerful over the prospect of national service. 

One hundred and two men answered the roll call at the sta- 
tion and Chairman Wright checked off four who had expected to 
go to wait for another call. 

The ninety-eight men were as follows: 



Allen Arthur, 
Emory L. Beck, 
Albert A. Berry. 
Henry Blackburn, 
Wm. H. Braswell, 
Richard Bullock, 
Emmett F. Cagle, 
Sam H. Cavender, 
Charles A. Clark. 
Chas. F. Clements, 
Warren B. Clements, 



Robei-t G. Cogdell, 

Elga W. Collingsworth, 

Olin R. Collins, 

Jas. B. Cunningham, Jr. 

Tom Davis, 

Wm. S. Davis, 

Burl H. Davidson, 

Haskell E. Dishman, 

Fritz R. Dolgener, 

Cratus Ellis, 

Sid Elson, 



Olin C. Emery, 
Joe Owens Ezell, 
Kenneth Y. Fairman, 
Fred H. Fangman, 
Claude W. Fanning, 
John 0. Fanning, 
Clifford Foster, 
Sam Freeman, 
Herschel Garner, 
Charlie C. Green, 
Wm. J. Hai'bert, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



285 



O. R. Harbert, 
Hiram O. Harper, 
B. F. Hayden, Jr., 
Curtis Heath, 
Clay Hendrick, 
Oris L. Hensley, 
Lewis J. Herrington, 
Henry Hilz, 
Lonnie T. Hoskins, 
Fred Hopkins, 
Wm. August Hurst, 
James M. Inge, 
John 0. Johns, 
Byrd Johnson, 
Caleb A. Jones, 
Floyd Jones, 
Perman Jones, 
Walter S. Jones, 
Wm. V. King, 
Reginald C. Leuty, 
Wilbur Ross Lindsey, 
J. Robert Lopp, 



Dallas Marshall, 
Robt. Charles Mayfield, 
Olin McCants, 
Alfred H. Morrison, 
John F. Murray, 
Luther T. Odom, 
Otto Partlow, 
James A. Pennington, 
Thos. T. Piper, 
James E. Pippin, 
Luther Pollard, 
Lewis H. Price, 
Thos. C. Puckett, 
B. Otis Pugh, 
Sam W. Richardson, 
Ted B. Rue, 
Charles J. Sadau, 
Marion E. Sams, 
Lee R. Sims, 
Alfred F. Smith, 
Ben L. Smith, 
James N. Smotherman, 



Wm. Frank South, 
Oscar J. Spraggins, 
Christopher C. Springer 
Hubert J. Starr, 
Thos. G. Thompson, 
Wm. H. Trausdale, 
Grover Turner, 
Tom Tyler, 
Adolph H. Uecker, 
M. M. Wadsworth, 
Ray S. Wakefield, 
Billy Walling, 
Everett Walpenberger, 
Joel D. Wardlow, 
James M. Wattam, 
Joseph C. Wells, 
Alvin Wilkinson, 
Robert Williams, 
Wheat Williams, 
James E. Wilson, 
Wm. Herbert Wilson. 



REMINISCENCES 

CHAPTER XV 

For a long period the savage Indian, as a satanic majesty, 
hung Hke a cloud of gloom and despair over the visions and 
dreams of the watchful mothers of our fair county. They, with 
fresh news from the fields of carnage, fancied scenes of cruelty 
and piercing screams of tortured children which would startle 
their midnight slumbers and turn them into hideous hours of 
silent, watchful listening. Their very heart throbs would sound 
like the approaching, stealthy tread of the cruel savage and the 
visions of the torch and tomahawk would almost unbalance the 
mind. 

But, alas, it sometimes proved too true, and the carnage was 
rehearsed from settlement to settlement, the gloom settling like 
a mighty fog over the weary heart of the fond mother, and in- 
creased the intensity of the maternal care for the children cling- 
ing to her bosom. 

The wily savages' signal "hoot" (in imitation of the owl) 
would rend the air and immediately the lights were extinguished 
and silence, darkness and dread would bring shivers to the stout- 
est heart. There was a dread even worse than the torch and 
tomahawk — the mother weeping for her girl carried into captivi- 
ty and into "squaw life," to which even death was preferable. 

Cynthia Ann Parker and many others were taken and as 
their screams grew fainter and fainter and the distance between 
grew greater and greater, the fond mother would faint into a 
realm of unconsciousness only to revive again, only to hear the 
echos reechoed on and on through life's memory as a blight to 
the once happy life and the extreme measure of the sufferings of 
a human soul. 

These dark pages of our history cannot, in justice to our 
heroes, be left untold, nor the picture overdrawn, as language 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 287 



would fail to portray the scene, and the historian's memory will 
not relax into forgetfulness. 

But, hail happy day, the moccasin tracks are now gone, the 
Indian's war-whoop has ceased to come, and the hoot of the owl 
has ceased to alarm, and the bruised souls begin to heal. But 
few who suffered these horrors are left to tell the tale. (In the 
city of Denton we have but one). The government has taken 
the Indians under their control and the old savage generation 
has passed away. The new Indians are being sent to school 
and educated into useful lives. 

The Author. 



T. R. ALLEN'S INTERESTING LETTER 

"Justin, Texas, August 31, 1916. 
'Hon. Ed F. Bates, 

"Historian for the Old Settlers and ex-Confederate Reunion, 
"Denton, Texas. 
'My dear Sir and Friend: 

"In the latter part of August, 1847, or sixty-nine years ago, 
ibout twenty or twenty-five families of us left Monitea County, 
Vlissouri, bound for Denton County, Texas. How we knew there 
ivas such a place the Lord only knows. This little colony was 
3omposed of the following-named families who were most all 
related to each other by either blood or marriage. Grandmother 
A.llen and her three married sons, Jesse, Thomas and Richard, 
Grandmother Medlin and her three sons, Lewis, Charles and 
Hall, and Uncle Cage Reynolds and his two sons, Sam and John, 
Daniel Barcroft, Ranos Niece, Owen Dunham, John Freshour, 
A.be, Joe and Jesse Loving, Taylor Stewart, Archie Robertson, Mr. 
Ellis and a Mr. Revis, and perhaps some others who my treacher- 
3US memory will not now recall. 

"This was quite a long and tedious journey. Think of twen- 
ty-five or thirty large freight wagons on a six-hundred-mile 
journey being drawn by work oxen and milk cows. What! milk 
cows did you say? Yes that is just what I said, we could use 
the cows that way for a two-fold pui"pose, they helped to draw 



288 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



the load during- the day and night, and morning they g-ave milk 
lor the children. 

"After many days of tiresome travel we reached Red River 
at a little trading post called Preston, and at this place Uncle 
Cage Reynolds accepted a position in a blacksmith shop and we 
left him and his two sons, Sam and John, there and at Sherman. 

"We next stopped on Holford Prairie where we found some 
settlers, including Uncle Peter Harmonson and his two sons. Jack 
and Perry, and Andy Holford and a few others whose names I 
do not now recall. Here we pitched tents to rest a while and 
take our bearings. A few days later Grandmother Allen and her 
two sons moved a few miles south and west, pitching their camp 
on the northwest end of a beautiful long, narrow prairie, which 
for many years went by the name of Allen's Prairie. From these 
two camps the men went on a prospecting tour along the west 
edge of the lo\ver cross timbers, where they found suitable loca- 
tions. They went back for their families and each pitched his 
tent on the particular grounds chosen by him for a home. Here 
we found the country which had been most wonderfully blessed 
by the great Architect of Nature, a soil as rich as the craving of 
man could wish for, and timber, water, and grass in an abundance, 
and sufficient evidence of the sunshine and the showers, besides 
the woodlands were lined with wild deer and turkey, and fine 
herds of antelope on the piairies the year round, the buffalo was 
there during the winter season. The only serious question was 
where our bread would come from until virgin soil could be pre- 
pared and made to supply our wants. 

"Here was the most wonderful and beautiful sight our eyes 
had ever beheld. Here we could view the beauties and grandeur 
of nature before they w^ere bespoiled by the woodman's ax or the 
surface of the earth was furrowed by the plow or by the surging 
waters. Our people passing over to Collin and Dallas counties 
in search of bread, told what a wonderful country we had found, 
and soon the little colony began to grow. 

"Uncle Peter Harmonson and his two sons. Jack and Perry, 
whom we had become acquainted with on Holford Prairie, moved 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 289 

over and settled among us and Uncle Cage Reynolds and his sons, 
Sam and John, whom we had left at Preston, came on and joined 
the colony. Again, and still later, Dr. T. H. Callaway, Mr. Kel- 
sey, Mr. Rayborn, Mr. Hutto, Mr. Joice, and Mr. Hoover made 
their homes among us and about this time a party of surveyors 
came along locating the boundary line between Denton and Tar- 
rant counties. Then we found that Grandmother Allen and her 
son, Jesse, Owen Dunham, and Daniel Barcroft had taken their 
homesteads just over the line in Tarrant County and Abe Loving, 
Jim Revis and Mr. Ellis had gone on to Fort Worth, where they 
located. 

"A history of the separate families who composed this little 
colony and the development of the country must be left for a 
pen guided by a more brilliant mind. Suffice it to say that these 
old settlers have surely left their footprints on the sands of time, 
as a very large per cent, of the population of the southwest por- 
tion of Denton County is composed of their descendants. 

"We found upon our arrival in this section two small bands 
of natives, the Caddos and Seminole Indians, who had been at 
war with the stronger and more war-like tribes who had beaten 
them back to the edge of the white settlement. They were 
friendly disposed with us and so remained for many years, stay- 
ing close around the United States fort. When the troops were 
moved from Fort Worth to Belknap they went along, the govern- 
ment using them as guides for the army. 

"During, and for several years after the Civil War, the wild 
tribes of Indians went on the warpath and gave us no little trou- 
ble. In 1868, a large band of the Comanches came down into 
Denton County and gathered up a large number of the peoples' 
horses, some four hundred or more, and not far from the north- 
west corner of Denton County they met Mr. William Mundy and 
his daughter, Julia, who had left their home to go to Pilot Point 
to visit some relatives. The Indians chased them several miles 
and Julia being on a small pony her father saw that she could not 
get out of the way and he took her off the little horse and carried 
her behind him to a place of safety. 



290 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

"The Indians encountered a man by the name of Frank Cun- 
nius and ran him to the old keep-house in the upper edge of Den- 
ton County; before he reached the house they wounded him in 
the neck. Though wounded and bleeding as he was, he fought 
the Indians away from the house, but died before his friends 
found him. Two miles farther northwest the Indians killed 
Severe Fortenberry and went on west driving a very large herd 
of horses. 

"About three or four miles below Forestburg the white men 
overtook them and captured most of the horses, returning them 
to their owners. Following this raid there were several others 
made in the same region, but I am sure a more gifted pen will 
write of them. 

"In 1870 a band of about forty Indians came down through 
the timbers on West Fork of the Trinity and crossed over to the 
head of Morris Branch and camped for the day in the upper 
grove of timber on that branch. During the day Nick Dawson 
rode out to look for some of his horses and seeing the Indians' 
horses grazing about this grove supposed them to be cowmens' 
and rode down to inquire of his horses. When he was very 
close the Indians discovered him and mounted their horses and 
gave chase, after running him about three miles they overtook 
and killed him. 

"This was near the close of the Indian troubles. The last 
raid was made on August 23-24, 1874, when the Indians came 
down by Decatur and swept north along the line of Denton and 
Wise counties, going out the divide between Denton and Catlets 
Creek, carrying about 135 head of horses. About eight miles 
northwest from Decatur just at sunrise on the morning of the 
24th they came to the home of Mr. Huff and there being no men 
at home they killed Mrs. Huff and her two daughters. The mother 
was killed under the floor where she tried to hide and one of the 
girls was killed in the yard just in front of the door. The other 
girl was killed nineteen yards northeast of the house. The mother 
and the girl that was killed in front of the door were both scalped 
but the other one was not. You will notice Bedford's History of 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 291 

the Indian Troubles and the Wise County History says that she 
was scalped but the writer was there and helped to carry her 
into the house and she was not scalped. She was a beautiful 
brunette and had as pretty black hair as the writer ever saw and 
I remember that we concluded that her hair being so pretty and 
black was what saved her from being scalped — the mother and 
other daughter were blondes. 

"Now, excuse me, for I did not begin to write a history and 
should not have written so much. 

"With kindest wishes for you and the Old Settlers' and ex- 
Confederate Association, I remain 

"Yours, 

"T. R. Allen." 

AGED PIONEER TELLS OF INDIAN RAID IN 1868 

From Loving, Young County, F. J. Hawkins, a pioneer of 
Denton County, writes his recollections of the Indian raid of 1868. 

"I see in the Denton Record-Chronicle some one writes (fail- 
ing to give his name) of the big Indian raid in 1867 (or, if I 
remember rightly, it was in 1868, in the month of October) . 

"George Shearer, C. L. Smith (now dead) and the writer 
were on our way to Denton when we crossed Little Elm and had 
ridden out on the prairie just south of where the Lloyd store 
now is, when we saw a lady coming towards us, running and 
waving her bonnet at us. 

"We halted and Shearer asked her what was the matter. 
She said a courier had passed down the prairie from the Cooper 
crossing on Big Elm saying that the Indians were crossing Big 
Elm three hundred strong murdering and scalping all the settlers 
they saw. Her husband had gone to Little Elm to the gin and 
she and the children, she said, were certain to be scalped. We 
thought it must be a mistake and told her so. 

"The lady was Mrs. Albert Miller, long since dead. We de- 
cided to go in the direction of Cooper crossing and after traveling 
half a mile met Mr. Howell and his family coming on horseback, 
bareback, towing a mule packed with bedding and chuck. We 



292 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

tried to reason with him. asking if anyone had seen the Indians. 
He said no, but that the courier had said that the Indians were 
coming and had left no one alive west of Elm as far as the head 
of Hickory creek. We told him that we were going to see the 
redskins before we ran. 

"He thought we had better go home; ridiculed the idea of 
three men unarmed meeting three hundred Indians. We were 
practically unarmed; only an old cap and ball pistol, without a 
cartridge in the crowd, but we detei'mined to go, scalp or no scalp. 

"We took the trail two or three miles down and met no one 
but a man. He was not actually running, but he was letting no 
grass grow under his feet. He had a cap and ball rifle and a shot 
pouch. We asked him if he had seen any Indians, and he said. 
no, but that they were there on Big Elm. It was Marion Smith. 
We all turned to the crossing and went on and reached Denton 
without seeing any Indians, kept our scalps and were still alive. 

"The report had got to Denton that all the Shahans had 
been massacred, and a posse had gone from Denton to seek ven- 
geance on the red men. They returned home without seeing any 
Indians, but reported that the inhabitants of Shahan Prairie 
were all gone. 

"The Indians had passed up Hickory and Denton Creeks and 
had stolen a drove of horses and killed a man on the Chisum 
ranch and also Mr. Fortenberry. We were late getting home, 
as we had to have our pistol fixed and a cap and ball put in it. 
We started home, sixteen miles east, prepared to scalp any In- 
dian that came our way. It was dark when we got to Big Elm. 
and the creek was up. We walked down to west bank and crossed 
and dismounted and walked up the east bank. We came to 
Shahan Prairie, just beyond the Allan Bell place, at the corner 
of the field. 

"Our horses shied at something and we thought : 

" There are the Indians sure.' 

"Shearer said, 'Who is there?' 

"A lady answered and said that she and her children had 
been in the woods all day and were nearly starved. She said 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 293 

they had started with a fice dog, but that she was afraid it would 
tree a squirrel and the Indians hear it bark, so they hung it. We 
told her who we were and showed her where she was, and then 
started home. 

"When we got there the report had got out that all the Sha- 
hans had been scalped. J. D. Hawkins, knowing our families 
were alone, and in distress, had taken them to his home. 

"I never learned who the courier was." 

Mr. Hawkins adds that he is now eighty-two years old and 
made his first camp fire on Panther Creek on January 5, 1854. 



INTERESTING LETTER FROM DENTON COUNTY SETTLER OF 1851 

A communication from an old Denton County settler, W. P. 
Bates, now of Vernon, Texas, but one of the 1851 settlers of the 
county, tells of the struggles of the early pioneers, and of the 
gradual spread of civilization along the then frontier country. 

The letter is addressed to the author, who was then gather- 
ing all such documents from old settlers for the Denton County 
History. 

"Vernon, Texas, October 28, 1914. 

"I was born November 22, 1837, in Barren County, Kentucky, 
and when in my fourteenth year my father. Rev. W. E. Bates, 
on the 15th day of September, 1851, emigrated to Texas. 

"There were three other families in the emigrant train — 
Smoot, Carter and Gounds. We landed in Texas November 
1, and rented the Tom West place on Barksdale Creek, in the 
southeast corner of Denton County, near the present town of 
Hebron. Mr. Carter returned to Kentucky; Mr. Gounds went 
to his place in the southwest corner of Dallas County (and one 
of his sons now lives in the city of Denton) ; J. M. Smoot sold 
goods at Alton and later at Denton when the county seat was 
moved, and was burned out in August, 1861. He helped to es- 
tablish the Odd Fellows cemetery at Denton and is buried there. 

"We rented the place we stopped at from Alford Harrington 
and his brother, Silas Harrington. It was a log house, dirt 



294 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



lloor, cracks chinked and daubed with mud. Tom West lived 
in the house at the time we moved in, and remained some time 
before he moved out. Two families in a small log house created 
an over-crowded situation, but the sight of a little log cabin here 
looked mighty good then. 

"We found here at that time Mrs. Bridges and her two sons, 
William and Dave Bridges, Sam and Jim Chowning, Peter Teel, 
Joel Clark, John House, Joshua Zumwalt, and the McNeils. 

GAME PLENTIFUL 

"There was plenty of game of all descriptions. My father 
and I were on the hill (that J. D. Hawkins afterwards settled on) 
and counted 115 deer in sight, the largest bunch had fifty-two in 
it and the wild turkeys were here by the thousands. The first 
mill was what we called a 'steel mill' and was like a large wall 
coffee mill fastened to a tree or post. Mr. J. D. Hawkins had 
one bolted to a large post in his yard. He converted his into a 
'windmill power' by attaching a wheel with canvas sails, but it 
was not a success. Mr. Wilson had a tread wheel mill on Wilson 
Creek and Jake Baccus had a water mill on Rowlett's Creek in 
Collin County, while 'Hamp' and 'Press' Witt had a mill on the 
Preston road ten miles north of Dallas, and there was built in the 
early fifties a flouring mill north of Sherman on the Colbert 
Ferry road (just south of Red River). Myself and Brance 
Rodgers took two yoke of oxen and a load of gi'ain to this mill. 
We were gone five days on the trip. 

"Shreveport and Jefferson were our market places then, 
and the goods were hauled with ox teams mostly, five and six 
yoke to a large wagon. It took from four to five weeks to make 
the trip. In 1860 R. H. Bates and myself hauled goods from 
Jefferson, Texas, to J. M. Smoot at Denton for $4.00 per hundred 
pounds. Goods were hauled only when green grass could be had 
to turn the oxen on at night, and if the small home merchant ran 
out of an article of merchandise he remained out until next year 
when he could send an ox team to Jefferson again. And to illus- 
trate how the people talked about it, you could often hear such 
expressions as this : 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 295 

" 'They say you can get coffee at McKinney again,' or 'tobac- 
co' or 'cotton warp.' What few people we had here then gladly 
passed the word along the line and all seemed to know just what 
they had on sale at Dallas, McKinney and Denton. 

BEFORE THE RAILROADS CAME 

"Rough pine lumber could be had in East Texas then on a 
small scale and generally green and very heavy to haul, but it 
was far better than no lumber at all and the people soon began 
hauling with those great ox teams. The prices ran from $4.00 
to $7.00 per one hundred feet for rough lumber. Salt had to be 
freighted in the same way and was worth $6.00 and $7.00 per 
one hundred pound sack. 

"The first school house built was called Bethel. It was 
weatherboarded with four-foot boards, covered with two-foot 
boards, dirt floors and clapboard door. It was used for school 
and church purposes, and in the fall of 1853, for about two 
months, W. E. Bates and family occupied it until he finished his 
house. 

"The first church built was at Bethel in about 1855. The 
people sent ox teams to East Texas for lumber (it was considered 
at that time a large undertaking) . 

"As I now remember, I went and hauled a load and Al Rogers 
(with J. B. Rodgers' team) and others constituted the ox train 
that was out for a 'church' and they succeeded in building a very 
respectable church. 

"My father brought his chest of carpenter's tools from Ken- 
tucky with him which proved to be a valuable asset to the country 
at that time. He was a carpenter, and in 1852 built a house in 
Piano for Mr. Foreman. 

"Doctor Dye was practicing medicine at Piano and was our 
family physician, fifteen miles away, and sometimes hard to find, 
as he covered about thirty miles square. We had a great deal 
of sickness the first and second years. The second year we lived 
just north of Little Elm town, and he had to travel about twenty- 
five miles to see us. Our doctor's bill at the end of the second 
year was $500. We had lost one brother and were somewhat 



296 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



discouraged. The 'Elm flats' were then considered sickly by the 
people who lived on the 'Collin County Ridge.' 

A PIONEER HOME 

"We built our house in 1853 and moved into it. It was above 
the average at that time — two rooms 16x16, framed out of hewn 
timbers, weatherboarded with four-foot boards shaved and plan- 
ed, and floored with ash plank which we got at a sawmill on the 
East Fork east of Dallas. 

"That fall, 1853, Harry Hawkins and his sons, Jehne D., 
Samuel J., John H., and his younger sons, and W. H. Bates, Tom 
Button, J. T. Landrum and Charles L. Smith, his son-in-law, came 
and settled by us. They had been our neighbors in Kentucky, but 
had stopped at Nacogdoches the first year out. 

"Married men were entitled to 320-acre preemption surveys 
of land and single men 160 acres, but were required to build a 
house and open improvements on it and live on the same for 
three years, which we all did. My headright (160 acres) was 
located on Panther Creek where Zion church now stands. It was 
an elm log house 8x10 feet, five logs high, ridge poles, board roof, 
dirt floor and one log cut out in the east end for a door, but no 
shutter, as under the circumstances it seemed useless, as dogs 
could pass through the cracks anywhere at their pleasure. This 
was sufficient to meet the requirements of the State of Texas for 
a patent, and of course I did not live there — only slept in it oc- 
casionally. 

JOINING THE ARMY 

"In May, 1861, I enlisted in 0. G. Welch's Company E (at 
Fort Wichita, I. T.) in Stanweighty's Indian Cavalry regiment. 
I enlisted for twelve months, served fifteen months and the com- 
pany was reorganized by Mat Daugherty. I joined Tom Daugh- 
erty's Company A, 29th Texas Cavalry and was disbanded at 
Hempstead in May, 1865. Was at home fifteen days during this 
time on leave of absence to recover from a wound. 

"Press White, Captain C. W. White's negro man, in the sum- 
mer of 1863, was charged by Mrs. James Stewart with assault 
with intent to rape. He was carried before a justice of the peace 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 297 

and adjudged guilty and turned over to Mr. J. W. Stewart, who 
shot him to death in Lighter Hoffman's pasture on Stewart's 
Creek. This incident being the first of the kind in that section 
of the county, it created a profound sensation and was the coun- 
ty's talk for years after. 

A MENU OF 1851 

"Now back to the food supplies of 1851 : We had plenty of 
beef, pork, venison, turkey, and prairie chicken, and milk, fish, 
butter, cheese and wild fruits, such as persimmons, plums, grapes, 
and red and black haws ; pecans and several varieties of acorns. 

"These wild fruits were in abundance and the hogs and game 
would get very fat on them in the fall of the year, but they some- 
times failed, and then our pork was short and lean. 

"Denton County was very dry in the summers during the 
early fifties. The grass would grow knee high during the spring 
months and in June, July and August the intense heat would 
crack the black land prairies and cross-crack it every few feet, 
and often you would see cracks that you could put an eight-foot 
rail its full length down in them. At such times it was danger- 
ous to ride over the prairies on account of the cracks, and prairie 
fires were considered most dangerous as the flames, fanned by 
the winds, would lap over and catch the grass forty and fifty 
yards ahead. I believe the crumbling in of the dirt at these 
cracks when the rains came made the 'hog wallows.' These are 
some of my personal experiences and memories of Denton County 
which I delight to recall. — W. P. Bates." 



EARLY DAY MARRIAGE CELEBRATION IN DENTON 

" How a marriage party that escorted "Billy" McCormick and 
his new bride from her home to his in the early days turned into 
a party of Indian hunters, "generaled" by Crow Wright — The 
rescue of a driver lad. 

"More than forty years ago a party of boys and girls, who 
were Gallatin Kirby, Tarleton Bull, now of Oklahoma, George 
Bull, now of Thurber, George McCormick, Jr., now of Krum, 
C. A. Williams of Denton, Berry Orr, Jim Daugherty, now of 



298 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Black Hawk Ranch, near El Paso; Misses Laura Hembry, now 
Mrs. John Hudson of Denton, Lizzie Hembry, now Mrs. Lizzie 
Elms of West Denton, Bettie Lacy, now Mrs. P. C. Withers, and 
Nannie Lacy (deceased), and Anne McCormick, accompanied 
by the latter's brother, 'Billy' McCormick, for the past many 
years Squire William McCormick, who presides in a little Justice 
of the Peace's office on the third floor of the courthouse here, 
and his new bride from her home three miles southeast of Bolivar 
across the country to the home of George McCormick, Sr., father 
of the groom, the distance about ten miles. 

"As automobiles wei'e in those days still many years in the 
future and buggies an almost unknown luxury, we were all 
mounted on good saddle horses and rode horseback. The Mc- 
Cormick home was located near where the Santa Fe railroad now 
crosses South Hickory Creek, and when we got there a party of 
us spent the night. The next morning we were awakened by a 
man named Jackson, who had come over to tell us that a band of 
Indians was in the valley below his house, which was located a 
short distance on the opposite side of the creek, and that he 
had heard them shooting and yelling, and they seemed to be driv- 
ing horses. 

"Just after daybreak the redmen came in sight — two or three 
hundred of them, with more than four hundred head of horses. 
So four of us — Billy McCormick, George McCormick, Berry Orr, 
my brother, and myself followed them. We were joined along 
the way by others until by noon our band numbered thirty-three. 
The Indians had kept a northerly direction along the divide be- 
tween Denton and Clear Creeks, and shortly after noon they 
crossed a small creek with a little timber here and there. When 
they had gone a little way they stopped and formed a line of 
battle. By this time we, too, had crossed the branch. Our lead- 
er. Crow Wright, ordered us also to form in line for battle, but 
on second thought told us to fall back to the creek and fight from 
there. Before we reached the creek they charged, and some of 
our men, knowing that a stand would be useless against so many, 
kept on, while others stopped and opened fire on the Indians. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 299 

But our men were badly scattered by now and each soon became 
his own general. 

"When we finally got together a quarter of a mile from the 
place where we had taken our stand, we found that George Mc- 
Cormick had lost his horse. He had jumped up behind his 
brother, Billy, when his own horse was shot, but the horse was 
not used to carrying double and he threw them both, and got 
away. They got up behind other men and rode out safely. Berry 
Orr's horse was slightly wounded, and Bill Eaves had been shot 
in the hip with an arrow, (but the wound was not serious) and 
one of our number, a man named Fortenberry, was missing. We 
went back and found Fortenberry's body on the opposite side of 
the creek, where he had evidently been killed when the Indians 
charged. They had stripped him and scalped him. We were 
not certain that the Indians had lost any of their number, but it 
was a custom of theirs to never leave a dead body behind. 

THE DRIVER LAD'S RESCUE 

"Some of the men went for a wagon with which to take the 
dead body of Fortenberry to his home, while about fifteen of us 
followed on after the Indians, without any definite object in view. 
We were somthing like a mile behind them along in the afternoon 
when we caught sight of eight or ten men riding hard from the 
east. They seemed to be trying to get in ahead of the Indians 
who were ascending a hill. The white men passed out of sight 
on the north side of the hill and then emerged, riding hard, in 
the direction from which they had come, with some of the In- 
dians yelling and shooting, close behind. We could see that one 
of the horses carried double, and that the white men were making 
a desperate effort to reach Clear Creek bottom, but we were com- 
pletely mystified as to what had taken place. The Indians fol- 
lowed the little band of white men about a mile, then turned and 
joined the others who drove the horses. 

"We kept on until we reached the north side of the hill, hop- 
ing to learn the cause of the white men's rush, and there we found 
a wagon with four dead oxen and a load of wheat and corn, emp- 
tied out on the ground. We then turned and started back, but 



300 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

we could not catch up with the other party of men. The next 
day, however, we learned that the small band of men we had seen 
in the strange up-hill maneuver had been riding to the rescue of 
the driver of the ox-wagon, who was only a lad, and unaware of 
the red men's approach, as he was driving up the north side of the 
hill while the Indians were ascending the south side. The little 
band of white men, in the valley below on the north side of the 
hill, had seen the Indians going around, knew of the boy's dan- 
ger. They got safely away. 

"The same day a party of Denton men who had heard 
the Indians were in the country but who had not been able to 
catch up with the main band, surprised a lone Indian who had 
got separated from them and shot him. So the 28th day of Oc- 
tober, 1868, came to a close, with an Indian raid and two lives 
lost — one a white and one red man." — PEYTON Orr. 
PIONEER DAYS IN DENTON COUNTY 

"In 1846 my father, J. B. Rogers, came to Texas to look out 
a home for himself and family. He purchased 320 acres of land 
near New Alton, on Hickory Creek. 

THE MOVE TO TEXAS 

"He returned to Tennessee with the expectation of moving 
his family to their new home the following fall — 1847, but the 
death of his father delayed their coming until 1850. September 
1 everything was in I'eadiness for making a start for our new 
home. He, with his entire family, was on the road ten weeks, 
landing in Texas in one of the worst blizzards I ever witnessed. 

"He bought 320 acres of land on Stewart's Creek, Denton 
County, near wheie Fiisco now stands, more especially to get 
the use of two log cabins, already erected on the place, for a place 
to winter in. 

PIONEER CABINS 

"These cabins had dirt and stick chimneys, with the chinking 
all out of the cracks, covered with boards which were held on by 
weight-poles — no nails then — and a dirt floor — but it was home. 

"Doubtless we were prouder of and appreciated more our 
simple home than many people do now-a-days a fifty-thousand- 
dollar mansion. We first bought eight hundred pounds of pork 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 301 



from Oliver French, on Elm — mast-fed hogs — at three cents per 
pound, dressed. 

"Only eighteen acres of our land were in cultivation, with 
eight of it already sowed in wheat. In harvest time (necessity 
was the mother of invention) my father stocked his own cradle 
and cut and bound it by hand. He cleaned off a spot of ground 
and circled the wheat with wooden pitchforks and then winded 
out the chaff. By this time we were all getting hungry for a 
biscuit (cornbread being the main ration). 

GOING TO MILL THEN 

"My father had filled a two-bushel sack and sent the oldest 
child, myself, on horseback fourteen miles on the head of Honey 
Creek to Squire Hart's one-horse mill. The capacity of his mill 
was ten bushels per day. While the miller was grinding I was 
busily engaged bolting the flour by feeding with one hand and 
turning the bolting chest with the other. By economizing my 
time I made it back home the same day. Being a growing lad 
and having gone that distance, I had my best appetite. This 
was one of the few times my mother violated the long-kept cus- 
tom of biscuit for Sunday breakfast only, and had hot biscuits 
for supper. 

"Some time later it happened that our neighbor got out of 
breadstuff the same time we did. and being deprived of the privi- 
lege of borrowing, we must do something at once. Again the big 
big boy of the house, together with negro Al, shouldered a bushel 
of wheat and walked three and a half miles to a steel mill (some- 
thing similar to our coffee mills), bolted on an elm tree. The 
hopper held nearly a peck of wheat. We took turn about turn- 
ing, and by late dinner time we were on our way home again. 
The children had gotten so hungry in the meantime mother had 
cooked some bran biscuits. To a hungry man at two o'clock in the 
evening a bran biscuit looked very good. As usual, I held 
my reputation as an eater, but alas! my feeling a few hours 
later. From that day to this I haven't had the respect for bran 
biscuits I once had. 



302 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



THE NEW HOME 

"In the meantime father bought a new place where I now 
live — and in the spring of 1851 we began the erection of our new 
home. A building sixteen feet square with a shed room across 
back and porch on front. Weatherboarded with four-foot clap- 
boards and roof of two-foot boards. Nails had come in fashion 
now and my! what an improvement. Studding the rafters, elm 
poles ; puncheon floors, and beds made of elm poles corded up with 
rawhide. Many of our mothers' beds had only one leg. 

"Doors were made of clapboards and peep-holes for windows. 
Glass was not known here then. We had stone chimneys, stone 
quarried at where the upper part of Main Street in Frisco now is. 
Sure-enough we were in a mansion now. 

"We must now make prepartion for breaking some prairie 
land. We were now able to own a Carey turning plow, a big 
wooden plow, wooden mouldboard and steel point. When the 
point got dull we carried it sixteen miles to McKinney, that being 
the nearest blacksmith, to be sharpened. 

"We used four yoke of cattle for breaking. This being a 
drougthy year, we made very little on our new ground. The 
ground cracked until you could stick an eight-foot rail the full 
length in the cracks. It was really dangerous for horses to travel 
at night on account of the cracks. 

BUILDING THE COMMUNITY SCHOOL HOUSE 

"About this time we began to feel the need of a school and a 
place of worship. In 1852 the neighbors met to discuss building 
such a house. A house 18x20 feet was soon built, getting all the 
material in Elm bottom. Board walls and roof and split-log 
benches, with pegs driven in them for legs, and a dirt floor. This 
building was used for three or four years, with the following 
teachers: John L. Moore, — . — . Seawright and W. F. Rogers. 
This building was also used for church purposes, w^th the follow- 
ing preachers : John L. Moore, Joab Biggs, W. H. Hughes, Wil- 
liam Bates, and J. B. Tullis as presiding elder. We held protract- 
ed services in the summer time with gracious results. These re- 
vivals added strength to our church and also the community be- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 303 

gan to settle up and made it possible for us to go forward in a 
new church enterprise. 

"This church was organized by Joab Biggs in 1848 with 
seven members, as follows : Willam Rogers and wife, Peter Teel 
and wife, Jonathan Clarke and wife and Elizabeth Rogers. 

A NEW CHURCH 

"In 1855 the neighbors decided to build a larger house, a 
building 30x40 feet. Times had changed some now, and sawed 
lumber was heard of in the distance. J. B. Rogers and Charles 
Rector proposed to haul the lumber with their ox-teams from the 
pine mills 125 miles away. Others worked on the building, and 
so on, so as to use as little money as possible. The framing tim- 
bers, however, were hewn out in Elm bottom. This was the task 
assigned B. L. Rogers. William Rogers was head carpenter. Old 
man Hyde, on Elm, cut the shingles for the house. Before the 
house was entirely closed in a cyclone blew it down. This was 
a pretty hard blow, but these pioneers never knew what it was 
to give up. After taking the remains to pieces they found a 
great deal of their framing timber not badly damaged, so in a 
reasonably short time our building was again in place. The 
church was dedicated by W. H. Hughes. 

"In the year 1857 or 1858 we began having camp-meetings. 
For years and years we used an arbor, but in later years we built 
a large shed. We held three district conferences here. Bishop 
Pierce presided at one, W. C. Young, the next, and Bishop Key 
in the third. These revivals from year to year were very suc- 
cessful, having from forty to one hundred conversions, and many 
young preachers were going out to work in the Master's vine- 
yard as a result of these services. 

"When the railroad was built near Old Bethel and little towns 
sprang up all around, older heads thought best to disband and 
move to Frisco. 

NEW FLOUR MILL 

"In 1856, after having some trouble in getting foodstuff, 
J. B. Rogers, George Wear and B. L. Rogers decided to build a 
mill. The dimensions being 20x24 feet, two-story. It was a 



:^04 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



tread-mill and the big shed over the tread-wheel was forty feel' 
square. The material was all hewed out in Elm bottom, taking 
twelve months to get out the material and build the mill. John 
Cummings was the millwright. This mill for years and years 
was the last mill to the west, drawing trade from Denton, Wise, 
Jack and Parker and Tai-rant counties. The capacity of the mill 
was seventy-five bushels per day. 

"In 1858, J. B. Rogers, Coleman White, William Rogers, and 
B. L. Rogers bought and started a saw-mill on Elm, but it nevei 
proved the success we had hoped for. 

"We hauled our groceries from Jefferson and Houston for a 
number of years. A little later the merchants of McKinney be-i 
gan to keep a full supply of groceries. Dry goods were nearly' 
all made at home. Most of the early settlers did a great deal ot 
their own shoe work, but there were three prominent shoe- 
makers in the country, namely : Joshua Zumwalt, Smith James, 
and Jim Hawkins. 

"In 1850, when we first came here, there were two bunches 
of mustangs near Elm. Buffalo were plentiful just west of Den- 
ton. Antelope, deer, wild turkey, bear and panthers were plenti- 
ful. Fresh wild meat was plentiful everywhere. When we got 
out of meat it was an easy matter to kill all we needed. Our 
Thanksgiving and Christmas turkeys were always fat and plen- 
tiful. I guess a two-horse wagon wouldn't more than hold the 
wild turkeys I have killed, first and last. 

BETHEL CHURCH MINISTERS 

"A list of preachers of Bethel church up to 1870 follows: 
J. A. Biggs, Andrew Cummings, J. W. Hardin, Harvey Cummings, 
W. E. Bates, Alexander Hinkle, W. K. Hasten, W. S. Malugen, 
L. R. Dennis, A. C. McDougall, J. W. Chalk, George S. Gatewood, 
Henry W. South, John Beverly." — B. L. Rogers, in Denton 
Record-Chronicle. I 

IN THE EARLY DAYS OF DENTON COUNTY 
By I. D. Ferguson 

"In the early days of Denton County the principal occupation 
of the people was stock raising. Texas at that time was the 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 305 



et greatest grazing country in the world. The prairies were open 
and covered with stock, and the grass was sufficient to feed and 
keep in good order all the stock that ran on it; and there were 
thousands of horses and cattle. There were at that time a num- 
oer of men in North Texas whose cattle ran up into the thousands. 

"Denton County had the honor of having as one of her citi- 
zens, a man who, with perhaps one exception, owned more cattle 
than any other man in the world. His name was John S. Chisum. 
He came to Denton County from Lamar County in the year 1854 
and settled on Clear Creek, three miles above the town of Bolivar, 
at the place now known as the Waide place. Chisum was there 
when the writer came to Texas in 1857. Mr. Chisum, as I have 
been told, before he came to Denton County, was county clerk of 
Lamar County, being then a young man. Steve Fowler of New 
Orleans, a rich man, bought three thousand cows, and employed 
John Chisum to bring them to Denton County and put them on 
the range and gave Chisum one-half of the increase to look after 
them, and allowed Chisum to mark and brand his half in his own 
mark and brand. The other half of the increase were to be each 
year marked and branded in the partnership mark and brand. 
This kind of proposition was greater than being county clerk of 
his county, hence Chisum became a stock raiser in Denton Coun- 
ty. Many old-time citizens yet living knew John S. Chisum 
personally. Many people who never knew him have heard of 
the Chisum trail. Many people have heard of the Lincoln Coun- 
ty war in New Mexico, in which John S. Chisum took a prominent 
part; the war in New Mexico was started by one of Chisum's 
cow hands,, known as 'Billy the Kid,' who afterwards became a 
noted outlaw in New Mexico and was finally killed by United 
States Marshal Pat Garrett. Any one who ever read the life of 
'Billy the Kid' has heard of John Chisum, who is one of the 
principal characters mentioned in the book. 

"John Chisum raised stock in this county for a number of 
years, and finally moved his stock from this county to the Con- 
cho River in the years 1864 and 1865, moving out of this county 
over 100,000 head of cattle and leaving a remnant of at least 



306 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



30,000 in Denton and adjoining- counties. He afterwards moved 
his cattle to New Mexico, where he continued the cattle business 
until his death. At the time of his death he was a millionaire, 
and having never been married, his estate went to two of his 
brothers, Pitser Chisum and James Chisum. 

"Other prominent stockmen who held large herds of cattle 
and horses in those early days were Sam Doss of Cooke County, 
S. F. Reynolds of Denton County, George Light, Felix McKittrick, 
George and John Downard, Dumas and Emerson, Tobe Paine, 
D. D. Clampitt, Perry Harmonson, E. Wantland, the Medlins, 
Steve Curley, Madison Rawls, Col. W. T. Clark, Jule Gist, R. G. 
Johnson. E. B. Peter and Christopher Fitzgerald. 

"The" next largest cattle raiser was perhaps Sam Ross or 
Dave Light. Nearly all of the men named were large cattle 
owners, their cattle numbering up into the thousands of head, 
but Chisum was considered at the head of the list, as the great 
cattle king of North Texas. 

"Those stockmen had their ranches located at suitable nlaces. 
and stock pens constructed for marking and brandino-. In the 
sDring and summer, when the calves be<^an to come in. thev would 
start out on the ran""e to round up the cows a^d cah^es and drive 
them in to the stock pens, takinfr about fifteen or twentv hands 
with them, and round un artd drive everv cow and calf thev came 
to. and pen from three to four thousand head at a time, cutting 
out the calves and unbranded stock and runninp^ them into a 
separate pen from the grown cattle, when the branding com- 
menced. Someone built the fires and kept the branding irons 
hot, while others who were expert at throwing the rope roped 
the calves and held them until someone ran in. p-rabbed hold of 
the animal and threw it down, holding it until someone marked 
it. The man with the red hot branding iron ran up and put the 
branding iron to it and the poor animal bawled from the torturing- 
hot iron. This process was kept up all day until every animal 
was marked and branded. 

"Each stockman, when he started out on a round-up, went 
in different directions with his cow hands, and Chisum would 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 307 



brand all of Doss', and Doss would brand for Chisum. This was 
a rule made among all stockmen, to brand each other's cattle and 
keep an account of the number of calves branded that belonged 
to the other, when they would then get together and settle up 
with each other and square accounts. To an observer who knew 
nothing of the arrangements made between those stockmen, it 
would look like theft, but it was not. They understood each 
other, and it was an honest business transaction, made and fully 
understood by all of them. Of course, there were occasional 
mistakes made by them. They would get hold of some man's 
yearling, who was not a stock raiser, and put their mark and 
brand on it ; in that case all the owner had to do was to go to the 
stockman whose brand was on it and call his attention to it, and 
he would either pay for it or tell him to go out and mark and 
brand one of his in its place. The stockmen as a general rule 
were an honorable, upright class of men. Once in a while, some 
thief who did not own any cattle, would mark and brand other 
people's cattle, and by that means accumulate quite a bunch of 
cattle, but he was under the ban of all the stock raisers and all 
good citizens who knew him. Many of the men who attempted 
to steal themselves rich were caught up with and hanged to a 
tree limb, but no one ever knew who did it. A few of such char- 
acters escaped the rope and got rich by stealing, and when one 
did so, his money covered all his many sins. He was then recog- 
nized as a good citizen, a great financier, and by the rules of so- 
ciety it was wrong to mention the means by which he accumu- 
lated his wealth. There were but few of such characters among 
our great stockmen of an early day. Dan Wagoner, another great 
stockman heretofore not named, lived in Wise County. Sam Ross 
in Cooke County, Dave Light in Grayson County. Chisum in 
Denton County, Downard in Cooke County; McKittrick, Curley, 
Gist, Paine, Clark, Fitzgerald, Johnson, Peter and the Medlins 
were all citizens of Denton County. 

"Among the horse raisers in the county were George Mc- 
Cormick, J. M. Waide. W. C. Wright, Robert Wriq-ht, Edward 
Forrester, Brawley, Old Man Kale, and Old Man Ruth. E. M. 



308 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Kelley of Cooke County was also a large horse raiser. McCor- 
mick took the lead in the number of horses he had on the range. 
Crow and Bob Wright had the next largest herd of horses, and 
Brawley perhaps was next in the number of horses. Then J. M. 
Waide and Kale and Ruth each had smaller herds. E. M. Kelley 
of Cooke County had about three hundred head of horses on the 
range. Numbers of other men in the county had small herds, 
say from twenty to forty head each. Most of the horses were 
Spanish stock except Ed Forrester's, who raised the best breed 
of fine Eastern stock. 

"The Spanish horse made the most serviceable horse for 
cow horses, and was preferred to the larger horse by nearly all 
stockmen. This horse was better adapted to hard use and was 
quicker than the large horses to run after cattle. As time rolled 
on the country became more densely populated, and the intro- 
duction into the country of barbed wire caused the prairies to 
be fenced into farms, which caused the larger herds of cattle to 
be taken out, and many thousand head were shipped and sold 
in the Northei-n markets for beef, and the large cattle industry 
was soon destroyed. 

"Texas in the early days was evidently the greatest stock 
country in the world, but that industry has disappeared and 
farms have taken the place of stock raising, and the Spanish 
horse has disappeared. Nearly all of the great stockmen that 
once lived and i"an the range after theii' cattle are now dead and 
only live in the memory of those who knew them." — Denton 
Record-Chronicle. 

INDIAN FIGHTING IN DENTON COUNTY 

By I. D. Fehgi'son 

"In the winter of 1867 the people living in the northwest 
corner of Denton County and the western portion of Cooke, Wise 
and Montague adopted a plan to prevent the Indians from steal- 
ing our horses by organizing minute companies to go out during 
the light of the moon into camp at such places as we would be 
most likely to intercept the Indians on their way into the settle- 
ments. This plan was thought ieasible, as we knew the routes 
the Indians usually came into the settlements, which were, either 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 309 



through Wise or Montague counties. If they came in through 
Wise, they would come down Denton Creek or Black Creek, and 
strike the Grand Prairie about where Stony is now located, gather 
up horses on the range by the light of the moon and then go out 
before day, either the way they came in, or by way of Spring Sta- 
tion, in Montague County. 

INDIAN ROUTES 

"If they came in through Montague they would come down 
by way of Victoria Peak, just northwest of where the town of 
Bowie is now located, and strike the headwaters of Denton Creek 
and follow that stream through its dense jungles down as far as 
Greenwood and then come across onto the Grand Prairie on the 
head of Hickory Creek about the place where Slidell is located 
and come over into the settlements on Clear Creek, steal horses 
during the night and go out before day by way of Spring Station. 
Or if the Indians came across Red River north of the town of 
Montague, they would strike the headwaters of Clear Creek and 
follow it down to the settlements in Cooke County and the north- 
west corner of Denton County and depredate on the settlers 
during the early part of the night and then go out with their 
stolen property. The time most likely for them to come in was 
about the time the moon stood perpendicular overhead at dark; 
the first part of the night in moonlight, the after part in darkness. 

COMPANY ORGANIZED 

"During the month of February, 1867, our immediate neigh- 
borhood organized a company of citizens of about twenty men, 
among whom I now remember were A. J. Nance, Felix Grundy, 
Joel Holder, J. L. Marcus, Louis Finley, J. M. Waide, Sr., Thomas 
Knight, Andrew Grundy, William Grundy, Wit Cannon, I. D. 
Ferguson, and a number of others whose names I can not remem- 
ber. A. J. Nance was selected as our captain. We selected our 
camp on Clear Creek at what was then known as the Masoner 
place about twenty miles north of Bolivar. The Masoner house 
was empty, the occupants having fled from the Indians. There 
was only one other house in that section of the country occupied 
by the owner. It was about one-half mile south of our camp 



310 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



and was the residence of John Carter. His bai-ns and cribs were 
full of corn and feedstuff for our horses and he gave us permis- 
sion to use all we needed free of charge. We took possession 
of the old Masoner house for shelter from the storms. Tom Pal- 
mer was the captain of another company composed of the settlers 
living in the southwest corner of Cooke County and the south- 
east corner of Montague County and was stationed about six 
miles west of us on the breaks of Bingham Creek, a tributary of 
Clear Creek, that has its headwaters in Montague county. Pal- 
mer's camp was about four miles south of Jim Ned mountain, a 
high peak standing about one hundred feet above the level of the 
surrounding country in the upper cross timbers seven miles south- 
east of the town of Montague. The country where Palmer was 
camped was densely wooded and the bottom land of Bingham 
Creek was an almost impenetrable thicket of red haw and green 
briars. 

"The country where we were camped is broken and hilly, 
with high, precipitous hills enclosing the valley of Clear Creek. 
The whole face of the country made a wild, picturesque looking 
scene, a country where th^ Indians could steal into the settle- 
ments most anywhere without being seen. 

"To the east of our camp several miles, George Downard was 
the captain of another company of citizens camped on the waters 
of Pond Creek, in Cooke County, to catch the Indians if they 
should come down or go out up Big Elm in the direction of Gaines- 
ville. On the Wise County trail where the Indians came in and 
went out. Captain Ed Blye, in Wise, had a company of citizens of 
Wise and Denton counties to catch the Indians if they came in 
or went out through Wise County. With this cordon of pickets 
stretched across the country, it looked like it was impossible for 
the Indians to come in or go out without being caught in the net 
somewhere along the line. We established a system of patrols 
between the different stations which consisted of about four or 
five men, who left camp each morning to meet a like number of 
men from the other company at a designated point on the half- 
ground between the two stations, for the purposes of ascertain- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 311 

ing if any Indians had passed down in the direction of the settle- 
ments during the night. 

SPARED BY COMPANIONS 

"About the third day after going into camp at the Masoner 
house a severe snowstorm set in, covering the ground white with 
snow, making camp-hf e very uncomfortable. In a few days the 
snow had disappeared, but the weather was still cold and dis- 
agreeable. One morning our camp was thrown into a panic of 
excitement by a report that a company of United States troops 
was approaching for the purpose of arresting us. The Federal 
commander of this department of Texas had issued a proclama- 
tion to take into custody all persons found congregated together 
with arms in their hands, as rebels against the government. On 
this morning, A. J. Nance, J. L. Marcus, J. M. Waide and W. N. 
Cannon had gone out on the usual patrol toward the camp of 
George Downard. Instead of meeting the usual patrol from 
Downard's company, the whole company had come out with a 
view of paying us a visit at Camp Masoner. They were all sup- 
plied with Federal blue overcoats, and they conceived the plan 
of giving us a scare, and sent A. J. Nance and J. M. Waide ahead 
to notify us that the Federals were coming to arrest us. We saw 
Nance and Waide coming in a run and we thought that they had 
discovered an Indian trail as we did not see Cannon and Marcus 
with them, we supposed that they had remained with Downard's 
scouts. They dashed up to camp and said, 'Get your guns and 
horses quick, boys; the Yankees are coming to arrest us.' We 
did not believe it, and told them so, but they said it was true, and 
that they had captured Bud Cannon and J. L. Marcus, but that 
they had escaped, and come to notify us of our danger. In not 
longer than a minute we saw Downard's whole company coming 
around the point of the mountain in double file in a lope with their 
blue overcoats buttoned around them, about six hundred yards 
from us. We were then satisfied that they were Yankees, and 
such a stampede as occurred in our little camp is difficult to de- 
scribe. Men rushed for their guns and some of them cut loose 
their horses and jumped on them without saddles and attempted 



312 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



to get away. The greater portion of us saw we could not escape 
and ran into the house to make a fight. When they got close to 
us Mr. Marcus commenced to halloa and laugh, and we discover- 
ed the joke and began to subside to our normal condition. The 
boys that had tried to run off soon came sneaking back to camp, 
jeered by the outburst of roaring laughter from the crowd. One 
man, Joel Holder, got mad and wanted to tight, but he soon cooled 
otf, and subsided to his normal condition. Downard's company 
took dinner with us and then returned to their camp. 

FIND AND LOSE INDIAN TRAIL 

"Just about two days following this affair, early in the 
morning, a runner from Tom Palmer's camp brought the news 
to us that the Indians had slipped past his camp during the night 
going into the settlements, that they had passed in two hundred 
yards of his camp in the night and had tried to steal their horses 
and were fired on by the guard. We sent word to Downard's 
men to look out for them and head them off as they were going 
in the direction of Blocker Station. Our company saddled up 
and went under whip and spur to Palmer's camp. The trail of 
the Indians was easily followed when the two companies united. 
Tom Knight and the writer were selected as trailers. We had to 
go ahead of the company about two or three hundred yards, so 
that if we should lose the trail, we could find it again without 
stopping the pusuit. The trail of the Indians when it struck 
Bingham Creek turned down through the dense jungles and low 
thickets, where it was so difficult to travel that the Indians had 
made a narrow trail and had in several places cut away the brush 
to get through. The trail was fresh. We found an Indian quirt 
dropped on the trail and we stopped to let the crowd catch up 
with us, as it looked dangerous to us to push too far in advance 
of our men, in this dense jungle where an ambuscade might be 
set for us. When the company caught up with us a line of skir- 
mishers was dismounted and pushed through the brush on either 
side of the trail for a considerable distance until we reached more 
open ground. The Indians had followed the bottom for about a 
mile but had made no stop, and passed out onto the prairie be- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 313 



tween Clear Creek and Blocker Creek. We here took up the trail 
again in a lope. They had reached Blocker Station, a small settle- 
ment just before day and had stolen a lot of horses. The trail 
had gone out on the prairie east of Blocker Station for about a 
mile and then it disappeared so that it could not be followed. They 
had evidently scattered to keep from being caught. We made 
a junction here with Downard's company. We then had about 
one hundred men in the pursuit but with all our efforts we never 
could find the trail any more. They had scattered and come to- 
gether again several miles away, and passed out of the country 
through Wise County. 

BLYE COMPANY HAS FIGHT 

"A runner had been sent from Palmer's company to Captain 
Ed. Blye in Wise County to look out for them. The Indians had 
come together somewhere on Denton or Brack Creeks and on the 
way out Captain Blye's men had an encounter with them some- 
where northwest of Decatur, and Bob Wright of our county who 
was with Blye's men charged in among the Indians and got his 
horse's leg broken by a gun shot from them and would have re- 
sulted in Mr. Wright being surrounded and killed, but for the 
timely aid of some of the other men who ran in and brought him 
out on another horse. The full particulars of this Indian fight 
the writer never learned. Some of the men who were with Blye 
must be still living and could give all the particulars. 

"It has been long ago since all these things occurred, it was 
a time when men living on the Texas frontiers had to be called 
into requisition to defend their homes and fireplaces, and to pro- 
tect their property from the predatory raids of a savage foe. 
For us it was a duty and a necessity. We had come from the 
eastern states to the great west to find homes, and had found 
them. We were here to stay and wait for others to come to us, 
and help us in our struggle to make Texas what it is today, and 
what it will be in the future." — Denton Record-Chronicle. 

THE SILENT CITY AND THE SLEEPERS THERE 
By I. D. Ferguson 

"More than a month ago, after the decoration of the graves 



314 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



of old soldiers who lie buried in Denton's Silent City — the City 
Cemetery — a number of those who attended the services in the 
old graveyard and noticed the unkempt, neglected condition of 
the grounds, raised a protest which grew until it reached the 
ears of the City Commission and Mayor Foreman. The people 
protested because it has recently been brought to light that the 
graveyard was originally deeded to the town of Denton on the 
agreement that the town should keep it in condition, and take 
proper care of it. Hiram Cisco, who made other gifts of lands 
to the town of Denton, also deeded the cemetery plot to it, making 
the verbal agreement with the city council concerning its care. 
The deeds were burned up when the old courthouse burned, but 
old settlers, among whom who knew about the terms upon which 
the gift was made are C. A. Williams, Mrs. John Allen Withers, 
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Clay Withers, and Judge I. D. Ferguson. 
Others were familiar with the terms and anxious that they should 
now be adhered to. 

"At the time of the Confederate memorial services the con- 
dition of the grounds was very much regretted by those who 
went to honor with flowers the sunken graves of men who gave 
their best services to their country for four long years, and 
that Sunday a number of old settlers talked the matter over and 
recalled the old terms of the gift, few of them however, remem- 
bered which of three or four men it was who had made it. The 
graves were in a deplorable condition, many of them so over- 
grown with weeds that some of these had to be removed before 
the flowers could be put on. 

"Other graves were in the same condition; graves of early 
settlers who had much to do with the metamorphosis of the wild 
country within the boundary line of Denton and Big Elm Creeks, 
into the little townsite of Denton and its surrounding towns and 
communities. Many of these lie buried here; men of the mus- 
cular and mental strength demanded in those pioneering days, 
when the 'protector of the home' found that protection no such 
easy task as it is today, with settlers miles apart, and visits from 
the Indians to the little huddled communities a danger to be put 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 315 

up with by only the strongest hearted. Others, too — men who 
formed the first courts of Denton county, and men who had 
struggled along with the common portion of the community 
preacher ; men who helped reclaim the county for a fertile, peace- 
able unit of the South during the days of Reconstruction, when 
Denton had no very small share of the troubles and indignities 
of that period. 

"Many of them lie out in the Silent City — where only within 
the past few weeks any effective work has been done by the city. 
It is being done now, however, the City Commission having set 
apart $100 for the care of the cemetery for the next two months, 
and Mayor Foreman having assigned the money to the best use. 
The care just now is consisting in a general and thorough clean- 
up, under the direction of Mr. Foreman, and the walks are all 
to be laid out nicely and weeds and grass done away with, and 
the graves cleaned off. After this is done it is supposed a janitor 
will be appointed by the city to take active care of the cemetery 
by the month, and keep it in decent condition. 

"The natural beauty of the grounds is great; it is a grove 
of large post oak trees, where the sun finds the rose trees that 
were planted many years ago, and the tangles of the wild flowers 
and tame flowers in great profusion at the first break of day, and 
sends its last smile over the western prairie down into the lone- 
some little city — 

"For here the souls at rest must have the longest hours of day 
The stillest, darkest hours of night; the dawns all rose and gray, 
And shadows, deep and soft and cool, and peaceful, quiet hours, 
To slumber in their last long sleep out there beneath the flowers." 

"There is a thought — it can hardly be called more than that 
yet — 'on foot' to appeal to the Commissioners to have the name of 
the -cemetery changed, as the name 'City Cemetery' is not pleas- 
ing to most people. The history of the old grounds and the in- 
cidents connected with the lives of some of the people who are 
buried out there has been written, and is given below : 



316 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



AMoNc thp: first who came 
"The world is forgetful of the services of the men and wo- 
men who came here in an early day and cut away the brush and 
laid out the street and erected the first houses that made Denton 
a town. The first business men in Denton when it became a town 
have long since passed. away and their remains are deposited in 
the city cemetery, a burial place for the dead of the town of Den- 
ton, located many years ago south of east of the public square of 
Denton on Pecan Creek, a beautiful grove of postoak trees. 
Among them are Jud{^:e J. M. Blount and his wife, J. M. McNiel, 
W. J. McNiel, Alex Brown,, J. M. Mcllhaney, C. C. Scruggs, Hen- 
derson Murphy and his wife, L. L. Fry, Dr. G. W. Hughes, Jeffer- 
son D. Blount, Stephen Hyett, Dr. Robert Mcllhaney, Colonel 
Lacy and his wife, E. D. Barb, Col. T. G. C. Davis, W. P. Withers, 
John Allen Withei's, and several of Mr. Withers' children. 

"Judge J. M. Blount was one of the first business men of 
Denton. He came from Mississippi in an early day and settled 
in the town of Denton in 1857, and was elected county judge of 
Denton County. He was also elected State Senator to the Texas 
Legislature, and served his county in the Legislature until he 
was removed by the Federal government during the days of re- 
constrution, at the same time Governor Throckmorton was re- 
moved. Judge Blount was afterwards elected Justice of the 
Peace for precinct No. 1, and held that office for several years; 
was also engaged in the sale of goods in Denton for several years, 
and did as much to build up the town as any man that ever lived 
in the city. Judge Blount was recognized by all who knew him 
as one of Denton County's best citizens. 

"J. M. McNiel, who lies buried in the city cemetery, was, in 
his life time, one of our best citizens; was at one time county 
clerk of Denton County and made Denton County the best clerk 
we ever had in the office. He was also one of Denton's best busi- 
ness men and was engaged in the mercantile business in Denton 
at the time of his death. Everybody who knew Mr. McNiel loved 
and respected him. He was a devout member of the Methodist 
church and was known all over Denton County as an excellent 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 317 

Christian gentleman. At the time of his death he was in excel- 
lent health to all appearances^ but on Friday before his death on 
Saturday night, he seemed to have a premonition of his approach- 
ing dissolution. He had his son to get his horse and go over to 
Lloyd and get the Rev. W. E. Bates to come to Denton and preach 
for him on Sunday. Mr. McNiel said he 'wanted to hear Brother 
Bates preach one more time before he died.' Rev. Mr. Bates 
complied with Mr. McNiel's request and came to Denton on 
Saturday and stayed at Mr. McNiel's store until night and then 
went home with McNiel to stay all night, intending to preach at 
the Methodist church at 11 o'clock on Sunday. After going home 
from the store, McNiel and Bates after supper went out on the 
porch with their chairs and talked until about nine o'clock, and 
then retirod, McNiel showing Bates his room and retiring to his 
own room. He had not been out of Bates' room over five minutes 
when Mrs. McNiel ran into the room where Mr. Bates was and 
told him to 'come quick, as Mr. McNiel, she believed, was dying.' 
He ran in where Mr. McNiel was sitting on the edge of the bed, 
struggling for breath. Mr. McNiel reached his hand to the 
preacher and said, Treacher, goodbye ; I am goin.' He fell back 
on his pillow, dead. It was a great shock to the town when the. 
news went out that McNiel was dead. The next day, on Sunday, 
at eleven o'clock. Rev. Mr. Bates preached for Mr. McNiel, but it 
was his tuneral sermon. A great crowd of people collected at 
the Methodist church and heard the sermon. It was the great- 
est sermon I ever heard in Denton. A large funeral procession 
of sorrowing friends followed his remains to the city cemetery 
where they rest beneath the tangled growth of weeds and grass. 
But the soul of this good man who did his part in building the 
tov/n has passed on to reap its reward for the good he did to his 
fellowman v^^hile in the body. 

"D\\ G. W. Hughes, another of Denton's early settlers, lies 
sleeping beneath the sod of the city cemetery. He, too, like 
Judge Blount, helped to build up Denton and make it a town. 
Doctor Hughes was a valuable, good citizen, a good physician 
and at one time engaged in the mercantile business in Denton. 



318 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Where he came from I never learned ; he was in Denton when I 
fiisl knew him, in 1872 and 1873. He was an alderman for the 
city, at which time the city council was composed of the following 
men : I. D. Ferguson, Mayor ; T. W. Daugherty, G. W. Hughes, 
Henderson Murphy, W. H. Mounts, aldermen; W. S. Fry, city 
marshal, and Emory C. Smith, city attorney. All of the aldermen 
a'-e dead and two of them lie in the city cemetery. W. H. Mounts 
was buried in the Odd Fellows Cemetery and T. W. Daugherty 
at Abilene, in Taylor County. 

"W. J. McNiel, a brother of J. M. McNiel, who also lies in 
the city cemetery, was at one time county clerk of Denton County 
and for several years tax collector of the county. His remains 
lie by the side of his brother, with several others of the McNiel 
family. 

"Col. C. C. Lacy, one of the first builders of Denton, who was 
a district surveyor, who helped survey out the town of Denton, 
the father of the late W. J. Lacy and of Mrs. P. C. Withers, lies 
sleeping in the city cemetery beside his wife, who ran the Lacy 
House, where the May Building now stands. 

"It is impossible to call to mind all of the many once promi- 
nent people who sleep in this cemetery. The ground for this 
graveyard was donated by Hiram Cisco when the town was first 
started, and the first person to be buried in the city cemetery was 
a Mrs. Wilson, whose grave is marked with two large stones 
running the full length of the grave in the shape of the roof of 
a house, and can be located by any person visiting that lonely 
place. Another partial list of names of men and women who 
were the citizens of Denton who lived and died in the early days 
after having helped carry on the business of the town and county 
and build up the town as best they could, turning it over to the 
present generation for us to take hold of and carry on the work 
which they began and make it better than they could with the 
means they had at hand, is as follows : 

"All of the Bains family lie buried there; Mrs. Nemo, Mrs. 
Herndon, the mother of Col. W. S. Herndon of Tyler, Texas ; J. C. 
Carter and wife, Old Man Sams, John Price, Mrs. Coleman, Wil- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 319 

liam Street, Walker, Robert Mayes, William Mayes, Mrs. Lucy 
Evans, Dave Teague and wife, Mr. Cobb, the father of Richard 
Cobb, Miss Bettie Cobb, Wilson Dunbar and his daughter, Mrs. 
Peter 0. Riley, Paul Fay, Mrs. E. C. Smith, wife of the Rev. J. C. 
Smith, Frank Hunter, John M. Patrick, who was killed at Denton, 
and D. Clardy and wife. 

"Henderson Murphy, whose name appears above, ran the 
first hotel in Denton, situated on the lot where the Finer block 
stands. It was a log house when Murphy ran it. He was a man 
in good financial circumstances, owning large cattle interests in 
the county as well as real estate, at one time owning all of the 
property lying just north of the public square, including the coun- 
ty jail property. Mr. Murphy raised a large family of children 
and was the father of the first white child born in the town of 
Denton — John Murphy, now dead. 

"Why have we forgotten these people? If the ghosts of 
all these dead should come back to us and ask us that question, 
what answer would we give them ? We would want to do as King 
Saul did when confronted with the ghost of the prophet Samuel — 
fall down on our faces and weep. Fifty years from now all of 
t}ie business men of mature years will be sleeping with the dead, 
and other people will have taken our places and be running the 
city and all its business. Would we like for the people who suc- 
ceed us to forget us, and allow our graves to sink down into pits 
and grow up with weeds and brush ? If not, then we should do 
for the past generation what we hope the next generation will do 
for us." 

AN ENGAGEMENT WITH THE INDIANS — DISAPPEARANCE OF 

RICHARD AND JOHN CHRISTAL 

By I. D. Ferguson 

"In the month of February, 1870, there was no such a place 
in Denton or Wise counties as the town of Slidell. The town has 
come into existence subsequent to that date. It is situated on 
the head waters of Hickory Creek on the line of Wise and Denton 
counties. At the time mentioned, that particular section of the 
country was generally known and referred to as the Hackberry 



320 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Crove, on account of the existence of a grove of hackberry trees 
on the prairie just below the present town of Slidell. About 
three miles east of the hackberry grove was a large frame build- 
ing known as the Keep place, and one mile east of the Keep place 
was the Foster place. With the exception of the two houses 
mentioned, not a house or fence could be seen on the Grand 
Praii'ie. It was an open grazing ground for horses and cattle, 
and a man could ride all day on the grand prairie without seeing 
a house or fence. 

"The principal settlements that then existed were along 
Clear Creek in Denton County, and Denton Creek, Black Creek 
and Hart's Creek, in Wise County. The range was good, and num- 
erous herds of horses and cattle grazed upon the prairie unattend- 
ed by their owners. The Indians still depredated along the 
frontiers and pillaged the country for horses. In February, 1870, 
a company of rangers, twelve in number, young men from Guada- 
lupe County, made their appearance in Montague County, They 
were armed with Winchester rifles, the first improved firearms 
ever brought to North Texas. 

"Just at the time this little company made their appearance 
in Montague County, a band of about fifty Indians passed do\\Ti 
through Montague County in the night, heading in the direction 
of the grand prairie after horses. They had stolen some horses 
on their way down in Montague County, which apprized the citi- 
zens of their presence in the country. The little company of 
rangers was notified, and John Harwell, a citizen of the county, 
and a brave scout and good trailer, volunteered to go with the 
rangers and trail for them. (At the time the writer was living 
about four miles east of Hackberry Grove, at a place known as 
Keep's Mill, on the breaks of Clear Creek.) 

"The rangers followed the trail of the Indians until they 
reached the head of Hickory Creek at a point west of the hack- 
berry grove where the town of Slidell is now located. To more 
particularly locate the place, it was at the place where the Slidell 
schoolhouse now stands. Here at this place they came onto the 
Indians; twenty-five in number; they had killed a beef and were 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY S21 

dismounted and down in the ravine eating from the beef they had 
killed. The rangers did not think they were strong enough to 
fight them; and sent Mr. Harwell over to Keep's Mill to get re- 
inforcements, promising that they would hold the Indians at bay 
until reinforcements could be had. Harwell came to our place 
about three o'clock in the evening and notified the citizens that 
the State rangers had a band of Indians at bay just above the 
hackberry grove, and wanted all the help they could get, and as 
soon as possible a runner was sent down the creek for help, and 
I got on my horse and returned with John Harwell to the rangers. 

"When we came in sight of the rangers and Indians, we were 
about a mile from them. We were in a fast lope, and when we 
got within about five or six hundred yards of them, the Indians 
began to move out from the ravine south up the prairie slope. 
The rangers mounted their horses and followed them. As we 
neared them, them, they disappeared over the brow of the prairie 
hill. Just as we crossed the branch where the Indians had killed 
the beef, and started up the slope after them, we heard the re- 
ports of the guns in rapid succession, and saw the white smoke 
rise up in the air just over the brow of the ridge, and heard the 
yelling of the Indians. In less than a minute the rangers came in 
sight, retreating from the Indians, who were coming directly 
toward us, v/ith twenty-five mounted warriors and twenty-five 
or thirty on foot in close pursuit. Before the rangers could get 
to us they were surrounded by the Indians. The boys dismount- 
ed from their horses and commenced firing with their Winches- 
ters. The Indians were so close to them that in the shooting 
some of the Indians were burned with the powder from the 
rangers guns. At the first heavy volley fired from the Win- 
chesters the Indians ran back away from the rangers to the top 
of the ridge, leaving four dead Indians on the ground not ten 
steps from where the rangers were standing. One ranger had 
been shot in the hip with a pistol; this was all the injury sus- 
tained by the rangers. 

"At the time the boys dismounted Harwell and myself were 
about seventy-five or a hundred yards north of them, running to 



322 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



meet them. One Indian on a gray horse, seemed to run over, or 
through the boys, coming directly toward us at top speed; we 
opened fire on him, and his horse ran to pass us on our right, 
within twenty steps of us. Just as he got even with us, he 
dropped over on the side of the horses as if to screen himself from 
our shots. His saddle turned with him under the horse's belly, 
and the animal commenced kicking the Indian with both hind 
feet, and kicked him loose, saddle and all, and ran away. We 
fired several shots at the Indian, and seeing that he was dead 
we went up the hill to the other boys, where they were still stand- 
ing, shooting at tlie Indians on the hill. The Indians stood back 
to get out of range of the guns and made no further effort to 
attack us. The young man who had been shot was suffering for 
water, and was as pale as a corpse. We fell back down the hill 
to the branch where we could get some water for him, and passed 
the Indian that we thought we had killed. We examined him to 
settle a dispute between us and a German boy, one of the rangers, 
who claimed that he had killed the Indian on the gray horse. He 
said the Indian tried to ride over him, and he threw his Win- 
chester up and jabbed the Indian in the face with the muzzle of 
his gun and fired, shooting him under the left eye ; that he knew 
he shot him through the head, and he could not have been alive 
when he reached us. When we examined the Indian, we found 
him powder burned under the left eye and a bullet hole in his 
face, passing up through his brain and coming out at the top of 
the head. This settled the dispute ; the German boy had killed 
that Indian. The Indian was dead when Harwell and myself 
commenced shooting at him; we found him tied to his saddle, and 
that accounted for his staying on his horse so long. This was 
the fifth Indian killed inside of two minutes after the boys dis- 
mounted. It terrified them and kept them at a safe distance 
from us. We stayed there and held them at bay until sun-down, 
waiting for reinforcements to come, but none came and we then 
left the battlefield, taking the wounded boy to the Keep House, 
which was occupied by Doctor Jay. 

"We arrived at the Keep house just after dark and found 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 323 

that Doctor Jay himself was not at home, and had to send five 
miles to the little town of Bolivar to get a doctor. D. H. Waide 
and myself made the trip and brought Dr. W. C. Bobbitt to see 
the young man, whose name was Billy Sorrells. I never learned 
the names of the other boys who were in the fight, as they were 
strangers in the country. Large reinforcements came in during 
the night to the Keep house, and by daylight were at least one 
hundred men ready to follow the savages. When we reached 
the battle ground next morning, we found that the Inidans had 
come and taken away their dead, but had left the settlements 
without taking out any stock, showing that they were badly de- 
moralized. There was at the time of the fight a herd of Crow 
Wright's horses at the hackberry grove not over half a mile 
away, but they did not try to take them. 

"After following the trail about a mile the other side of 
where Slidell now is, we found the Indian that the German boy 
had killed, where they had left him and spread a buffalo robe over 
his body. About thre«? miles further the other four Indians were 
found a few days after where they had left them in a deep ravine. 
We followed the trail of the Iiidians through Wise County until 
they had reached the head waters of Big Sandy, which point 
we learned they had reached just before daylight the night be- 
fore. Seeing that we could never overtake them, we turned back 
for our homes. 

"Whatever became of this little band of Southern Texas 
boys that made this gallant fight I never learned ; but we learned 
that the Winchester rifle was the gun that we all needed on the 
frontier at that time. 

"Many people now living at Slidell do not know that a battle 
with the Indians was fought where the town is located. Had 
the settlers in North Texas been armed with Winchesters instead 
of shotguns the Indians could not have succeeded so well, and 
would have been defeated in nearly every engagement. 

"In 1862, Silas Christal, one of the most esteemed and sub- 
stantial of the citizens of Denton County, resided on Denton 
Creek about twelve miles west of the town of Denton and operat- 



824 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

ed a mill, to which many of the early settlers carried their grain 
to be ground for bread. Mr. Christal raised a large family, and 
among the oldest of the boys were Isom, John, Richard and James 
Christal. At the time of the incident here to be related, all four 
of them were grown men ; Isom, John, and Richard were married 
and had families. The Christal family, by reason of the mill, 
was well known to a large portion of the population of Denton 
County. 

"Tlie young men of this family had inherited from their 
parents all of the qualities that go to make up the very best type 
of manhood and citizenship of our country ; they were brave and 
courageous and knew no fear in times of danger. It was the 
custom at that time among the settlers living on the frontier for 
several of the men in a neighborhood to get together in the fall 
of tlie year and take wagon and team, guns, ammunition and all 
necessary camp equipage and saddle horses to go west into the 
bufialo range on a camp hunt and spend two or three weeks kill- 
ing buffalo and deer to supply their families with meat for the 
winter. In the fall of 1862, the Christal boys, John, Richard, 
Isom, and James, made their arrangements for a trip of the 
kind described. 

"The four brothers had no thought of danger in making the 
trip, as hunters before that time had never seen any Indians, or 
been molested by them on their trips. The four Christal boys, 
with their wagon and team and all camp equipage, started out 
on their journey to the west for about three weeks' camp 
hunt. The country at that time west of the upper cross-timbers 
was a wilderness, uninhabited except by a populous multitude of 
wild game, such as deer and antelope and thousands of buffalo 
that grazed upon the Texas plains from Red River to the Rio 
Grande. It was a vast happy hunting ground, not only for the 
early settlers living on the frontier, but for all the wild tribes of 
Indians that infested the Texas frontier. 

"The Christal boys, in order to place themselves in the buf- 
falo range where the game had not been disturbed by other hunt- 
ers, did not stop until they reached the big Wichita River, not 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 325 

far from where the town of Wichita Falls is now located. Here 
they selected a suitable camping place on the bank of Holiday's 
Creek, which runs into the Wichita River. The buffalo at this 
place were numerous, hundreds could be seen grazing unmolested, 
like herds of sheep, as far as the eye could see across the plains. 
It was late in the evening when they went into camp; the sun 
was just going down in the west, looking like a great ball of fire. 
The boys unhitched the horses from the wagon and staked them 
out on the grass, started a fire and commenced to cook their sup- 
per, when they saw a herd of buffalo coming down the prairie 
slope toward the stream about a half mile above their camp, 
John and Richard took their guns and told Isom and James to go 
ahead and cook supper and they would slip along up the edge of 
the timber that fringed the bank of the stream and try to get a 
shot at them. They had not been gone long before the boys at 
camp heard a gun fire in the direction in which the boys had gone 
to intercept the buffalo ; and in a short time a second report of a 
gun was heard. By this time the sun had disappeared and twi- 
light had set in, and it soon became dark. The boys at camp had 
completed their supper and waited for the others to return. After 
waiting until eight or nine o'clock and the hunters still did not 
show up, they concluded that they must have got lost, being in a 
strange country, and failed to find their way to the camp, so they 
gave several loud yells to attract their brothers' attention to the 
camp. No response came except weird howling of the wolves 
from every hillside, as if to mock at the failing efforts to attract 
the attention of the lost. 

"Hour after hour of the dark night wore away like centuries 
to James and Isom Christal, waiting in great anxiety for the re- 
turn of their brothers. They fired signal guns for them during 
the night, which had only the effect to rouse the wolves into their 
weird chatters, and make the night more gloomy, wild, and lone- 
some. When daylight at last came they saddled their horses 
and went in the direction their brothers had gone after the buf- 
falo. In the search they found where the hunters had killed a 
buffalo and had partly skinned it, and where one of the boys had 



326 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

gone to the creek bank, as to get a drink of water, the trail 
affirmed by a pocket handkerchief that he had lost on the way 
through the brush to the creek, but no other sign of John and 
Richard could they find. 

"After searching the country for four days for their missing 
brothers, and failing to find them, they returned home to carry 
the sad news to their families and to get more help from the 
settlements to make further search. In hunting for them about 
a quarter of a mile above where they had shot the buffalo they 
found some moccasin tracks in the sand along the bank of the 
stream, which might have indicated that they had been captured 
by the Indians and probably taken off and put to torture and 
death ; where, no one will ever know. 

AN UNSOLVED MYSTERY 

"When they returned home for help, the news of the loss of 
John and Richard Christal spread over the country creating great 
excitement, and a company of about fifty men, well-armed, went 
with James and Isom Christal back to the Wichita River and 
searched the country far and wide, but it was a fruitless search. 
They could not be found. The dark curtain of mystery still hangs 
over their fate; fifty-two years have come and gone and the 
question has never been answered; 'what became of John and 
Richard Christal?' The Indians killed them it is almost certain, 
but where? No man knows. J. R. Christal, vice-president of 
the Exchange National Bank of Denton, is a son of Richard Chris- 
tal, and several of the Christal family are yet alive. Mrs. J. W. 
Cook of Denton, is a sister of the two lost men, and Granville 
Christal, Sr., of Decatur, is a brother, and Rowlad Christal of 
Caldwell County, is a brother. The two brothers who were with 
John and Richard at the time have both since passed beyond the 
River of Time, and have met their two lost brothers in a brighter 
and a better land and have solved, no doubt, the great mystery, 
which those yet living have never solved. 

"It was my good fortune to serve in the same company and 
regiment with four of the Christals, Isom, James, Rowland, and 
Granville, during the War, and better, braver soldiers were never 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 327 

jailed to arms in the defense of their homes and country; they 
ivere not only good soldiers, but good citizens. The above is 
A^ritten from my memory of the incident in Denton County his- 
:ory as it occurred at the time, and from what was told me by 
Fames and Isom, who went with John and Richard on the fatal 
trip to the waters of the Wichita."- — Denton Record-Chronicle. 

CEDAR CREEK 

"As my wife and I are entitled to some of the glory of the 
jarly days, I will give you a short sketch of our lives. I, J. M. 
kVaide, was born in Rusk County, Texas, January 31, 1851, and 
noved to Denton County in the fall of the year 1861. I have 
ived in the county fifty-five years, and stayed on Clear Creek 
luring all of the Indian raids. 

"I was out on the divide between Clear Creek and Hickory 
>eek about sun-up the morning they made the big raid in 1868. 
; ran the whole bunch of Indians four miles, but I worked in the 
ead until I got into Clear Creek bottom. . 

*Tn the fall of 1872 I left Denton one evening for home. 
Nhen I got on the divide between Milam and Moore's branch, 
iight Indians got after me. I had a roll of forty-eight yards of 
iomestic tied behind my saddle, and after the Indians had run 
ne about a mile, the domestic came untied. I happed to be sit- 
ing on one end of the roll, and the rest of it was sailing out be- 
lind me in the air. When I looked back it looked like a streak 
)f white a mile long. The Indians quit the chase. I guess they 
;hought I was going to explode. 

"I have been in two or thi-ee shooting scrapes with white 
nen, but I can tell you that a bunch of Indians can scare a man 
vorse than a buffalo lifting his coat tail at every jump. I know, 
'or I have been there. I put in three years guarding the frontier 
luring the light moons. 

"I was married to Lucy Fortenberry in 1870. Her father 
vas killed and scalped by the Indians in 1868, and was the last 
vhite man killed in Denton County by the Indians. Lucy Forten- 
)erry was born in Denton County in July, 1855, and is now past 
lixty years old and lives within half a mile of the place where 



328 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



sh« was born. As I was about to close my article my wife came 
in and said she wanted to say a few words, so here she goes : 

K1LL1>4G OF MK. FOKTENIiEURY 

"The morning that my father was killed the Indians had 
just passed our house. Father counted eighteen shots. He 
climbed on top of the house and came down and said to mother, 
'Jane, I must go.' He picked up a squiirel rifle and got on a young 
horse that belonged to L. S. Forester and started. He went about 
a hundred yards from the house and came back for something. 
I said, 'Father, you never will come back.' He said, 'You don't 
know child.' It wasn't long until v\e heard he was killed. In a 
short while we could see an old rickety wagon coming with poor 
father's corpse lying in the bottom of the wagon bed. lie was 
taken out and laid out in the east room for us to take our last 
look at that good face. There he was, scalped and blistered by 
fire, with his blood running across the room. I thought I never 
could get over it. 

"IVIi's. Jane Howard was born December 3, 1830, and moved 
to Denton County in 1854. She is now in her eighty-fifth year. 
She remembers the Indian raid which took place the first Sunday 
in January, 1868. The savages came down Clear Creek, killed 
a Mr. Long, burned the dwelling of a ]\Ir. Wilson, abducted a 
young lady, passed by Fort Blocker, killed Joseph Menasco, cap- 
tured his daughter, Mrs. Shegog, killed her infant and captured 
two of her nieces and a little negro boy. Several white men 
among the settlers, Messrs. Cogburn, Williams, and Jones, 
charged on the Indians and in the encounter the young woman's 
horse ran away with her, and in this way she made her escape. 

"The redskins then made off with Mrs. Shegog and the other 
prisoners at midnight. A norther sprang up and they started 
northwest, struck Big Elm at Gainesville. They placed Mrs. 
Shegog on a mule, but she was so chilled that they pushed her 
off with the expectation that foot travel would restore her. But 
being so stiff to walk two of the Ina ins seized her by the hands 
and dragged her until she had recovered some warmth. Her 
comb came out and the Indians parted her hair and cut it off with 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 829 



butcher knives. When they reached Elm Creek the Indians 
pushed her off the beast, gave her a buffalo robe and built a fire. 
They went into camp, but when the chickens began to crow and 
the people of Gainesville began to chop wood Monday morning, 
the Indians fled, forgetting, in their hurry, all about Mrs. Shegog, 
who had in the meantime rolled from under the robe down a 
ravine and made her escape. A pursuing party afterward found 
the baby frozen to the ground and the two nieces also frozen to 
death. 

'*Mrs. Howard's maiden name was Jane Odell. She 
was married to A. H. Fortenberry in 1852, and they had one 
child, now Mrs. Jim Waide. Mr. Fortenberry was killed in the 
most brutal manner by the Indians, October 30, 1868, on White's 
Creek. The redskins numbering over three hundred made an 
attack on a small party of white men, captured Mr. Fortenberry, 
scalped him, piled grass on his body and slowly burned him to 
death. His remains were afterward recovered by the widow, 
and now lie interred near her present home. 

"Jim Waide, 
Of Cedar Canyon Stock Farm." 
— Denton Record-Chronicle. 
UNCLE JESSE LOVING WRITES INTERESTING LETTER 
REGARDING EARLY DAYS 

"Sherman, Texas, June 19, 1915. 
"Ed. F. Bates, Denton, Texas. 
"My Dear Friend : 

"I will proceed, as I promised you, to give you some pioneer 
reminiscences, as they occur to my mind, about Denton County, 
during my stay there of six years. 

"My father, Abraham R. Loving, moved from Moniteau 
County, Missouri, to Texas in 1847. The main object of the 
move was my mother's health. Doctor Ottie, our family physi- 
cian, described the kind of place that we must settle on for her 
benefit. We started from California, the county seat, on October 
13, and on November 13 crossed Red River at Preston, in Gray- 
son County. We crossed in a small flatboat. Doctor James D. 



330 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Frazor, our family physician, at Sherman, is said to have told 
this story on me (and I never deny anything that they tell on 
me.) ' ^^ 

THE STORY 

"The Doctor says that I was about twelve years old, and was 
riding a small pony and just enough room behind the wagon and 
team for me and the pony, that I entered into conversation with 
the ferryman, became very communicative, that I told the ferry- 
man I was from Missouri, that we were from an excellent neigh- 
borhood, splendid society, that Texas people were known as a 
pretty hard set, and that I was dreading to land in Texas. The 
ferryman said, *Bud, that is all right, when we land on the Texas 
side, get down off your pony and drink until you are full of this 
Red River water, and you will be able to hold your hand with any 
of them.' I did as suggested, I drank until I was almost too full 
for utterance. That I bounced upon my pony and moved off the 
ferry. The ferryman says, 'You have forgotten something.' 
'What?' said I. 'You have not paid your ferriage,' the ferryman 
replied, and I replied, 'Durned if I am going to pay it. I have been 
drinking freely of Red River water.' The ferryman replied 'that 
it had taken effect soon.' 

"Preston was then the head of navigation on Red River. I 
suppose that at this date there were about one hundred inhabit- 
ants there. I do not know whether there was more than one 
store, Almarine Alexander had a store and Calvin Jackson was 
clerking for him. There were many Indians in town the day we 
passed through. 

"We crossed Little Mineral and camped on top of the Big 
Rock Hill. There was a small log cabin and small field near our 
camp. The next morning it was very cold. 

"We moved down the Dallas and Coffey Bend Road, passing 
no houses between Mr. Earhait's until we came to a place in the 
middle of the road, which we found out afterwards was Sherman. 
We stopped to inquire for direction leading southwest to Denton 
County, but there was no one at home. We moved on to Mormon 
Grove about five miles and camped, finding no road leading south- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 331 

west. Later we started down toward Dallas and after going 
about ten miles on we came to a cabin. Father hallowed, and a 
man came to the door, father said to him, Tlease tell me how far 
it is to Sherman,' and the man replied 'Sherman is about fifteen 
miles back, you must have passed the place yesterday evening.' 
Finding no road leading southwest we traveled on about ten miles 
farther, when we came to another cabin, and to our supreme de- 
light, also found a road leading west from McKinney to the coun- 
ty seat of Denton County. 

"We passed on and camped on the east side of Little Elm 
at the Widow King's place. That night it rained heavily, and we 
were waterbound for two days. It was here that I had the pleas- 
ure of seeing my first alligator. We finally forded Little Elm, 
making our way westward, crossing the main Trinity (Big Elm) 
at the Dickson Crossing. We passed on west, making for Uncle 
Sam Loving's place, who lived on Cooper Creek, about four miles 
northeast of the present county seat of Denton County. A severe 
norther came up just before we arrived at Uncle Sam's. 

"At our arrival Uncle Sam came out and said 'Jesse, you go 
in to the fire and I will unharness and feed your team.' I went 
in, and there was a fine fire in a stick and dirt chimney. After 
some little time I heard a mill grinding away outside, and it con- 
tinued so long that I made the remark to Aunt Betsey, 'that they 
would grind enough coffee to last a month. She said, 'Bless your 
soul, they are grinding meal for your supper.' As cold as it was 
I Went out to investigate this new way of making meal. This 
was the first steel mill that I had ever seen and you can feel as- 
sured that I became very familiar with this new kind of machin- 
ery in the next twelve months. After supper they commenced 
talking about lariating mustangs, about centipedes, tarantulas, 
etc., that was all a mystery to me. (Uncle Sam and Uncle Rause 
moved to Texas in 1845, both settling on Cooper Creek.) 

"After our arrival in Denton County father and Uncle Sam 
made a trip down between Hickory Creek and Denton to look at 
a place that was for sale. It was just such a place as Doctor 
Ottie had advised for mother's health. The trade was made, I 



332 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



think, with a Mr. Smith. The improvements included two log 
cabins an J a hall betv/oen, floois all of mother earth, about four 
acres of land in cultivation, fenced in with brush, a few peach 
trees, spring of soft water, and high elevation for building site. 

'•\Ve started down in a few days to take possession of this 
lovely property, which was to be our future Texas home. We 
passed, en route, the first county seat of Denton County, 'Tink- 
neyville" — no court house; no jail. Michael Ramsour lived there 
and court was held in one of his rooms. This first county seat 
was about one and one-fourth miles southeast of the present 
county seat. 

"Uncle Sam was with us in our new home the first night and 
for breakfast the next morning. Our bill of fare w^as buck and 
mush. We had an enjoyable time partaking of this dish — you 
bet we ate it with relish. 

'Trouble be^ari in o r family right away; ma said she could 
not stand the dirt floors. Our neighbor, Mr. Hyatt, referred us 
to Wiley Harris, who, he said, was the best hewer in Texas. He 
was employed by us to hew puncheons foi' the two rooms and 
hall, and it was but a few days until we had the nicest floors in 
our home there could be found in that whole section of the coun- 
try. They were beautiful to look upon. 

"The next trouble in the family was the need of bedsteads, 
and the "Texas Pioneer," an earlj'-day make of bedstead, was 
resorted to in the emergency. The "Texas Pioneer," consisting 
of one post and two rails, two holes bored in the post and one end 
of each rail fitted into said hole; another hole was bored in the 
logs of the cabin, putting the bed in the corner of the cabin. 
For rope rawhide was substituted. My father was a good chair 
maker and we soon had a goodly supply of chairs. 

"The next thing was to place a good rail fence around the 
ground that we wished to put in cultivation, and Wiley Harris 
was again called upon as an excellent rail splitter, and we soon 
hnd a nice little farm under fence. 

"But speaking of rail splitters. President Lincoln w^as but 
a babe as compared with Sam Hazelton, who could cut and split 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 388 



four hundred rails per day. 

"We lived seven miles southeast of the Hickory Station, 
where a part of Captain Bill Fitzhugh's company of Texas Rang- 
ers were stationed. The balance of his company occupied Elm Sta- 
tion near where Gainesville is now located. 

ROADS 

"There was a road from Hickory Station, passing our place 
on the north side leading to the settlements and crossing Elm at 
the Higgins Crossing. This is the road that the rangers passed 
on frequently going to and from the station to the settlements 
in east Denton and Collin counties. They would, if passing near 
night, stop and spend the night with us; we were always glad 
to entertain them. 

"There was another road leading from Hickory Station to 
Dallas, which passed on the south side of our farm, crossing Elm 
at Keenan's Ford. Another road from Old Alton to Fort Worth 
which passed west of our house. 

"One evening nearly sundown two of the rangers passed our 
house, moving on toward the Station. One of whom was John 
Springer. I thought they were drinking. Seeing Mr. Springer 
a few days after, I asked him why they did not stop with us that 
night, and he replied 'Jesse, we were too drunk. We did not get 
to the Station. We lariated our horses on Grand Prairie and 
spread down our blankets and myself and the other ranger began 
quarreling about who should lie before, and I got so durned mad 
because he would not agree with me that I shot at him, the bullet 
grazing the top of his head. I tell you, Jesse, if he had not 
had a very low forehead I would have killed him.' 

MILLS 

"The steel "Armstrong mill" was a good mill in its place. 
One good, stout man could grind meal on it by running the corn 
through only one time, but boys and girls had to run it the second 
time to make meal. During 1848 a spirit of progress seemed to 
sweep over the cross timbers country and over Elm in Dallas 
County. Over in White Rock two gentlemen, Hamp and Press 
Witt, built a mill on the inclined wheel plan, that was of great 



334 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

service to the people for many miles around. I went to this mill 
several times, a distance of thirty miles. In this year there 
were also erected three band mills. The first one was erected by 
Uncle John Waggoner at the east edge of Holford Prairie; the 
second one by Mr. Hause at the west edge of Holford Prairie ; and 
the third was erected by Mr. Perry Malone at the west edge of 
Long Prairie. 

"The frame or motive power of the band mill is made on 
the style of our old mothers' winding blades, with which they 
put their thread into hanks. An upright beam he\Mi eight 
square, an arm mortised into each square, making in all eight 
arms, on the end of each arm a hole is bored and a wooden pin 
driven in, upon which the rawhide band is placed around and 
crossing the trundle head which is attached and fastened to the 
upper stone of the mill, the lower stone being permanent. A 
lever is attached to the main beam about two feet from the bot- 
tom, to which two horses are hitched, and they go round and 
round, and the little mill hops fi'om one grain of corn on to an- 
other, until the hopper is emptied. I imagine that the average 
capacity of these mills would be twenty-five bushels of corn 
per day. 

"One morning, my mother said, 'Jesse, you must shell a turn 
of corn and go to mill this evening, for there is not a dust of 
flour or meal in the house.' The corn was shelled. The girls 
helped me put the sack on the horse and mother as a parting in- 
junction said, 'Don't you come home until you get your grinding.' 
This order, of course, was imperative. I started and finally ar- 
rived at Mr. Hause's mill. The horses had. the day before, run 
away and tore up the mill pretty badly, so no chance for any 
grinding there. I moved on to Uncle John Waggoner's mill six 
miles farther east and found it greatly thronged. Uncle John 
told me that I could not get my grinding before ten o'clock the 
next day, so I put up and stayed all night with Uncle John. My 
grist was ready at eleven o'clock next morning and I started for 
home, arriving at one o'clock p. m. 

"Very fortunately for me my father had returned from a 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 335 

business trip to Dallas a few minutes before my arrival, for when 
only a short distance from the house I saw mother looking out 
of the door and she did not look very pleasant. When I came 
in speaking distance I heard the remark, 'Young man, I will tan 
your dog-hide for you!' My good old father spoke and said, 
'Susan, what is the matter with you and Jesse?' She told him 
she had sent me to mill the evening before and that I stayed all 
night; that she was so uneasy about me that she walked the 
floor all night; that she imagined the Indians had killed me. 
'Susan,' said my father, 'what were your instructions to him 
when he left?' 'I told him not to come back until he got his 
grinding,' mother said. 'Susan, you can't whip him this time. 
He has obeyed your orders strictly.' I thought more of father 
than ever then, 

INDIANS 

"We were not bothered much with Indians, although we 
were on the extreme frontier with not a house between us and 
the Rio Grande. There were eleven surveyors killed on Denton 
Creek in the spring of 1848, about ten miles west of us, that 
created considerable excitement. It caused us to have made 
heavy pucheon doors, with blockade from the inside. We were 
well armed with rifles, shotguns and pistols, but this band of 
Indians never paid us a call. Jim Ned's friendly Delaware Indians 
visited us frequently, and hunted for two and three weeks at a 
time. Jim Ned came over to our house and ate with us several 
times. 

"I was in the war of '61 three and a half years ; was in the 
battle of Newtonia, Baker's Creek siege of Vicksburg for forty- 
seven days. My last battle was at Yellow Bayou, in Louisiana. 
But the worst scare that I ever had was on the road to Fort Bel- 
knap in 1850. There were about forty wagons hauling supplies 
for Jordan & Hughes, contractors, to Fort Belknap, when in about 
twelve miles from the fort on West Fork, a while before sundown 
we spied a company of about one hundred horsemen charging 
down upon our train. They stopped about two hundred yards 
f i^am us, all dressed in war paint, and Jim Ned, our friend, came 
^oyer io our side of the road and greeted father and myself very 



336 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



warmly. I told Jim Ned how bad his people had scared me. He 
said that was a way his people had of showing their friendship. 
The Indians camped on one side of the road that night and our 
caravan men on the other. They left us the next morning on 
the way to Denton County for a big hunt. 

"A hostile band of Indians made a raid on the settlements 
after the rangers were removed and stole nearly all the horses in 
the country. We had been advised of their coming and built 
a stockade, in which to enclose our horses at night. The Indians 
came and tried to break down the stockade, but failed. We knew 
they were in the yard, because we could hear them prizing, but 
it was so dark that we could not see them. They got all the 
balance of the horses in the neighborhood that night. 

OUR POST OFFICE 

"For two years our post office was at Alton. The first was 
at Alton and for the balance of the time it was at Old Alton. 
(You will have to find some one that knows more than I do to 
tell why the last Alton was called Old Alton). We would get a 
letter from Missouri about once a month. The only newspaper 
that we received was the Clarksville Sfcuulard, edited by Charles 
DeMorse, a simon pure Democratic paper, published weekly. 

"As before stated the first county seat of Denton County 
was Pinkneyville, one and one-fourth miles southeast of the pres- 
ent county seat. In 1848, the county seat was moved about six 
miles southeast and named Alton. In about another year the 
county seat was moved southwest about five miles and located 
on Hickory Creek and still called Alton. I think they moved to 
this place because of a spring that ran out of the bluff, the worst 
water I ever tasted. They next moved the county seat to its 
present location and called it Denton. 

"Social gathering were few and far between. We managed 
to have a dance nearly every fourth of July, generally at the 
county seat. 

PHYSICIANS 

The old mothers did most of the doctoring at an early day. 
Doctor Foote was the physician for Captain Fitzhugh's company. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 337 

Chere was a doctor down near Long Prairie whose name I have 
brgotten, who married Sam Hazelton's widow. 

CHURCH HOTTSES 

"I recall only one church from 1847 to 1853. That was 
^jonesome Dove Baptist Church, located in the edge of Tarrant 
bounty. That was the only church that I remember attending, 
t was fifteen miles from our home, and we would always go in 
he wagon. The only preacher that I remember seeing for a long 
vhile was John Freeman who preached for this church. 

PRICES OF COMMODITIES 

*Tn 1847, we sold our corn in the field in Missouri, at eight 
lents per bushel; when we arrived in Texas we paid $1.00 per 
)ushel. I think up to, and including 1853, it would average about 
ifty cents. Wheat, I think, was from fifty cents to one dollar, 
^acon was always cheap, not over 121/2 cents per pound. There 
vas but little demand for it. Coffee was cheap, and we did not 
ise but little of it. 

"We lived on beef, venison, turkey, antelope and bear. My 
"ather bought a hog one Christmas weighing two hundred pounds 
Tom Uncle Watt Anderson, and that lasted our family of eight, 
me year. We would kill a fat beef and dry it and have the best 
)f meat for a long time, with a deer or turkey every few days. 
iVe fared sumptuously. 

CLOTHES 

"We never bought any clothes. Mother and the girls made 
jlothes for themselves and also for the men folks, and that re- 
ninds me of a trip that I made to McKinney, thirty-five miles 
iway, in 1848, John Holford, on the east edge of Holford Prairie 
lad opened a store, and one morning my mother said to me, 
Jesse, I want you to go down to Mr, Holford's store and get me 
:wo five-pound bunches of cotton warp, one bolt of yard-wide 
[ndian head domestic' I went as directed. On inquiry I found 
;hat Mr. Holford had the articles I desired. I sat around resting 
if ter my eight miles ride and watching them open boxes of goods, 
md I noticed with a great deal of pleasure a nice box of shoes 
iust opened of the Sunday variety and I imagined that I would 



338 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



like to have a pair to wear when I went to see the gii'ls (you seei 
I was nearly thirteen years of age then) and I asked Mr. Holford| 
how long he would credit me for a pair of these shoes. He 
answered, 'As long as you can hold your finger in the fire.' In 
an instant I made my exit from the store, went to the horse rack, 
mounted my horse, and started for home. j\Ir. Holford called me 
and asked, 'Ain't you going to get those things for your ma'." 
*No, sir,' said I, never halting. 

"I think I bought the goods at McKinney from Uncle John 
Lovejoy. Uncle John moved over to Old Alton in 1849. Alex 
Williams came with him and was a clerk in the store. Sam 
Sprinkles was a general roustabout around the store. He could 
not read nor write. He would sell articles once in awhile and 
make characters on the slate to repi-esent the goods. One gentle- 
man came in to pay his account and was charged with a cheese. 
The man said, 'We make our cheese at home; I never bought a 
cheese in my life.' Sam Sprinkles was called in and said, 'I never 
sold this man a cheese, it was a grindstone and I failed to make 
the hole in the center.' 

We had everything that our hearts could wish for; deer, 
turkey, antelope, bear. I would not risk it to say that I had seen 
five hundred deer at one sight, for you might call my veracity 
into question. We could go out any morning and kill a deer or 
turkey. Speaking of turkeys reminds me of one that P. Hans- 
borough Bell, Governor of Texas, killed near our house, brought 
it to the house and gave it to me. Mother cooked it for two days 
and it never did get done. It must have escaped from Noah's 
ark. (Governor Bell was returning to Austin horseback from 
an inspection trip of Captain Fitzhugh's company of Texas 
Rangers.) 

HALL MEDLIN WOUNDED BY BUFFALO 

"I cannot give date or place. I think, however, that this 
occurred before we moved to Texas. Uncle Charlie Medlin and 
Lewis came to Texas in 1845, and it seems to me that I heard of 
Hall's mishap before we left Missouri. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 339 

WHY UNCLE JESS JOINED THE ODD FELLOWS 

"During the war I was a prisoner in Alton penitentiary, was 
>ut of money and no change of clothing, out of everything to 
make me comfortable. Two gentlemen in citizen's garb, I dis- 
covered visiting two prisoners in adjoining cells to me and I 
loticed that they were delivering to these two prisoners, lots of 
slothing, and nice things to eat, and money. This was repeated 
ibout every week, and I being of an investigating turn of mind 
isked the prisoners if these men who had been visiting them 
A^ere relatives. They said that they were not, and that they had 
lever seen the men before landing in prison. I told them I 
A^ould like to find some one that would take a like interest in me. 
rhey said, 'Perhaps if you belonged to the Odd Fellows or Masons 
^ou could.' I had never thought of joining anything before, but 
[ determined then and there if I ever lived to get back home I 
vould join either the Odd Fellows or Masons. About twelve 
nonths after this I arrived home, told my black-eyed Ellen about 
t. I said to her that I was better looking than either of them, 
rhat I had more sense than both of them put together, that I 
A^as going to join the Odd Fellows or Masons and that she 
iould take her choice. She said join the Odd Fellows and I did, 
vas initiated into Sherman Lodge No. 45 in November, 1863, and 
lave never changed my membership. 

PETERS' COLONY 

"Yes, I remember Henry 0. Hedgecoke, agent for Peters' 
]!olony, his sons, John and Foss. I also recall something of the 
;rouble with the agent, Henry 0. The boys over in Collin Coun- 
;y got on a 'high horse' and Henry 0. left those parts. I never 
leard of him afterwards. Stephen A. Venters was clerking for 
;he agent at the time. The office was located about two miles 
jast of Higgins' Crossing on Big Elm. This raid did not burst 
ip Peters' colony business. 

"Thomas William Ward (usually called 'Peg Leg') commis- 
doner of the general land office, came out into Peters' Colony 
Tom Austin in his buggy, and was getting up proofs of home- 
iteaders. The oath that was required was about as follows : *I 



340 HISTORY OP^ DENTON COUNTY 

do solemnly swear that I have lived on the above described land 
three years and have made a good citizen.' An eccentric old 
gentleman over at McKinney made his application for certificate. 
Mr. Ward read the oath that he would be required to take and 
he said, 'I will not sign that oath.' Mr. Ward stated that that 
was the legal form that was required. 'Say, Mr. Ward, just alter 
it to read an average good citizen of Collin County, and I will sign 
up.' The oath was so changed as requested. 

"Jesse P. Loving." 



REPORT OF POLITICAL CONVENTION HELD IN 
DENTON TWENTY-SIX YEARS AGO 

Twenty-six years ago, September 4, next, there was somei^ 
thing doing in this county that will be of interest to the readers 
of today. In looking over the files of our paper, we ran across 
a report of a senatorial and flotorial convention held at Denton. 
The report will be very interesting to hundreds of our readers. 
It follows : 

"Last Monday morning about two o'clock the delegates start- 
ed overland from McKinney to Denton to nominate a senator and 
floater for Collin and Denton counties, to represent the district 
in the next legislature. Among the prominent persons in the 
Collin County delegation were Capt. W. N. Bush, chairman of the 
district and Uncle Jimmie Graves and S. D. Hattler of Melissa, 
John Kimbrough, Mr. Legg, and M. Spradling of Rock Hill, Uncle 
Bob O'Brien of Wilson Creek, Colonel Aaron Coffee, the old cotton 
planter, Joseph W. Waddill, Rip Powell, G. S. Beck, George How- 
ell, W. T. Cox, R. C. White and Edwin Doggett, the child of the 
McKinney Democratic club. The two candidates from Collin 
County, Hon. H. A. Finch and Hon. J. L. Doggett, were in the 
procession. The delegation was increased by others along the 
line of march. Reaching the neighborhood of Little Elm, the 
party was brought to a halt by the appearance of Wilson Bed- 
ford, colored, who was figuring around a log fire with hot coffee, 
ham, etc. After partaking of a hearty breakfast the procession 
moved forward to Denton, arriving about 11 :30 a. m. The con- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 341 

'/ention was called to order by Captain Bush, chairman, at 1 
3'clock p. m., who stated the purpose of the meeting and proceed- 
ed to declare the convention open and ready for business. The 
convention proceeded to a temporary organization by making 
Captain Bush temporary chairman and Joe Waddill secretary, and 
Tames Williams of Denton assistant secretary. Committees on 
credentials, permanent organization, platform and resolutions 
were appointed after which the convention took a recess until 2 
3'clock p. m. Meeting again on time the committees reported, 
seated delegates, recommended Mr. 0. P. Poe of Denton for per- 
manent chairman, with the secretaries before selected as perma- 
nent secretaries, and endorsed the platform of the San Antonio 
convention. The nomination of candidates being next in order, 
bhe Hon. H. A. Finch was placed in nomination by a gentleman 
from Denton and seconded by S. D. Hattler, of Melissa, in an elo- 
g[uent manner ; in fact, we learn that Mr. Hattler just 'let all holts 
loose' and astonished the Collin County delegation with the por- 
trayal of Mr. Finch's 'character and fitness for the position, and 
such was the effect that when he closed Finch was nominated by 
acclamation. Next came nominations for floater, there being 
but one candidate, Hon. J. L. Doggett of Collin. He was placed 
in nomination by delegates from Denton County and was unani- 
mously made the nominee of the Democratic party. A resolu- 
tion was offered and caiTied endorsing and recommending the 
Hon. A. C. Owsley for speaker of the next legislature. After 
much handshaking and congratulations among the delegates of 
Collin and Denton on the kind feeling and mutual good-will that 
exists between the Democracy of the two counties, the convention 
adjourned. We learn that the utmost harmony and good feeling 
existed among all connected with the convention. At five p. m. 
the Collin County delegation pulled out for home, feeling good, 
that while their county had received all the premiums in the 
nominations, yet that Denton had been as enthusiastic in bestow- 
ing the gifts as Collin had been grateful in receiving them. At 
Big Elm a halt was again called and the delegates recognized 
again the inviting face of the colored man, Wilson Bredford, who 



342 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



pointed to the hot coffee, broiled ribs, ham, streak and lean and 
fat, pickles and onions, etc., and here a most enjoyable time was 
had while waiting for the moon to rise. Old times were gone 
over; the boyhood days; the old state tales; the old iron bound 
bucket — the moss covered bucket, and the war times and camp 
fire were all considered until 11 p. m., when another handshaking 
went 'round and the delegates began to scatter." 

Among those mentioned quite a number have long since 
passed away, viz : Capt. W. N. Bush, Uncle Jimmie Graves, S. D. 
Hattler, M. Spradling, Uncle Bob O'Brien, Colonel Coffey, Joe 
Waddill, Rip Powell, George Howell, R. C. White. Several yet 
reside in McKinney. Mr. Finch is our Mayor, and Mr. Doggett 
our ex-mayor. Gabe Beck is here in business. W. T. Cox lives 
at Ada, Oklahoma, Edwan Doggett, spoken of as the child of the 
McKinney Democratic club, resides in Dallas, and is one of the 
successful grain men of the State. — McKinney Examiner, 1916. 

HON. F. E. FINER— HIS SPEECH DELIVERED AT GAINESVILLE, 

TEXAS, FEBRUARY 7, 1877, AT A MEETING OF THE 

BAR, IN MEMORY OF W. T. G. WEAVER. 

"May it please the court : 

"The attorneys now in attendance on this court, acting for 
and in sympathy with the entire bar of North Texas, desire to 
place upon the records of this court, a memorial commemoration 
of the distinguished lawyer and poet — Hon. W. T. G. Weaver — 
whose name has so often been upon the tongues and whose memo- 
ry will long be cherished in the hearts of the people of this, his be- 
loved section, I have been honored with the mournful, yet grateful 
task of delivering these resolutions, adopted at the bar meeting 
on yesterday. (Here the resolutions were read.) I cannot, in 
an address that circumstances render imperative should be brief, 
do more than render a passing tribute to one whose name is dear 
to us all, and whose eventful life might well furnish a grand 
theme for the impassioned poet, and add poetry to the sober 
narration of the historian. 

"The early years of Judge Weaver's life were passed in 
eastern Texas, where as a poor orphan boy he struggled against 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 343 

adversity and by his unaided exertions wrung an education even 
from the cold hand of penury. His subsequent history is well 
known to you all. Upon his admission to the bar, he soon gained 
that rank to which his genius, his learning and his noble qualities 
so fully entitled him. My first acquaintance with him was twen- 
ty years ago, at which time he was a candidate for District AU 
torney, a mere boy in appearance, but woe to the competitor who 
dared presume upon his youth. He was triumphantly elected 
over three able competitors. How ably and well he discharged 
the duties of his office you all remember. When the war came 
on he laid his all upon his country's altar, and from first to last, 
was among her brave defenders aiding by his acts, and encour- 
aging by his buring words and example. After the close of the 
war he was appointed District Judge, which office he held for 
several years. He was a member of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion of 1875, and helped to frame our present State Constitution. 

"Whether we view Judge Weaver, as the poor illiternate 
orphan, studying his first lessons by the humble torch, as the 
gifted young poet who worshipped nature and who wrote 
of her beauties as no other Texan can write or has written, 
as the unflinching district attorney who painted crime in 
such ghastly colors as to make even the hardest criminal 
detest his own acts, or as the courteous and affable judge, 
whose gentle sway ever encouraged the tyro in legal prac- 
tice, in all those regulations of life, we know not whether most to 
admire, the brilliant and matchless ability and eloquence, or the 
kindly and affectionate nature of the man. You had but to know 
him to understand the mystery of that unbounded popularity 
that reached every circle and gained every heart for him. 

"Mine is not the rude hand to tear away the veil that may 
conceal his faults. But, faults did I say? He had but one! And 
how noble must be that nature of which this can be truly said. 
But alas ! the speck that on the face of a polished marble shaft 
would not for a moment attract even the eye of the critic, would 
excite the regret of thousands, if found marring the brilliancy 
of a pure diamond. You know but too well the fault to which I 



344 HISTORY OF DKN'TON COUNTY 

allude. I speak to those who have for years been his daily 
jissociates. 

"God only knows the trials, the struggles, the temptations 
through which he passed, and which caused this one failing, which 
none more bitterly deplored than did Judge Weaver himself. 

"Brethren of the bar. I appeal to you as my witnesses, of 
his nobility of soul. If in the heat of discussion or hurried away 
by resistless force of his teeming fancy, he for a moment wound- 
ed the feelings of some opponent, who so ready to repent the fault 
or so manmanimously self-condemnin^- as he of whom I now 
speak? We cannot but cherish his memory and be proud of his 
fame. He is a part of our history and can never be omitted and 
when we reckon up oui- great good men, ever shall our 'Prentiss 
of Texas' be remembered. 

"But he has passed from among us. No more shall his 
genial smile and kindly w^ords be shared by us, his mourning 
friends. The flowers shall bloom and fade around his lonely grave 
at each returning joyous springtime, or the loud norther in win- 
ter storms sweep piteously over his last resting place, but he who 
in almost inspired strains sung of them shall return no more. 
That loving spirit that ever dwelt with rapture on each gentle 
flower that met his gaze; he to whom the innocent prattle of 
childhood w^as as sweet as music ; who loved children and flowers 
and all that was gentle and lovely, sleeps his last sleep in the land 
of his adoption and among the people of his choice. I know not 
whether he was prepared for the dread change, that must come 
upon us all, but for his sake trust that all w^as well, that he who 
loved mankind so ardently had reconciled himself with his God. 
To him, if to any unreo-enerated man, might well be applied the 
vision of Ahou Ben Adhem. 

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) 
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, 
And saw, within the moonliprht in his room, 
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, 
An angel writing in a book of gold : — 
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, 
And to the pre.sence in the room he said, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 345 

"What writest thou ?" — The vision rais'd its head, 
And with a look made of all sweet accord, 
Answer'd, "The names of those who love the Lord." 
"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so," 
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, 
But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then, 
Write me as one that loves his fellow-men." 

The angel wrote, and vanish'd. The next night 
It came again with a great wakening light. 
And show'd the names whom love of God had bless'd. 
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest. 

"How well could he be classed as one that 'loved his fellow- 
men.' But when we, his brothers at the bar, shall have ceased 
to grieve for this, our beloved brother — when his matchless elo- 
quence that once charmed our ears and fired our hearts shall be 
forgotten, when his poetry shall no longer be read or admired, 
still with each returning spring will little children come again to 
the grave of him who loved them so well, bedew it with their 
tears and strew its clods with his favorite flowers. 

"May the God of the widow and fatherless protect and con- 
sole his bereaved family and reconcile them to their fearful loss, 
and may we all emulate the noble qualities and sterling worth of 
our deceased friend." — Gainesville Gazette. 



PRESENT FIRE EPIDEMIC WORST IN DENTON HISTORY 

"The close of the year 1914 and the opening of 1915 has 
probably seen the worst epidemic of fires in many years in the 
history of Denton. The $60,000 loss in the burning of the Dona- 
hower block in v/hich the Fox Brothers Hardware establishment, 
the printing plant of the Record and Chronicle, the Collins res- 
taurant and a number of offices were destroyed is believed to be 
the heaviest loss from fire in Denton since the $100,000 fire in 
1890, when the entire east side of the square, with the exception 
of the Paschall Building in which Godfrey & Company is now lo- 
cated, was destroyed. 

"Since the burning of the Donahower block the latter part 
of December Denton has been the scene of four fires of more or 



346 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



less consequence, in nearly all of which three-fourths insurance 
was carried to cover the damages. On the night of January 5 a 
fire in the rooming house rented by Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Hollings- 
head and owned by Mrs. D. W. Brown about $400 damage was 
done to the house and contents by fire of unknown origin. The 
following night the barn of Mrs. M. J. Keese on North Bolivar 
was a total loss by fire with insurance for $400 and a valuation 
of $500. Before noon on the following day, January 7, a negi'O 
house on the wye was slightly damaged by flames. 

"The next fire occurred on the night of January 7, when the 
confectionery and stationery store near the Normal, owned by 
Cunningham & Johnson, was damaged about $3,500 by fire and 
the building owned by S. M. Cunningham was damaged about 
$400. Both losses were covered by insurance. 

At one time or another since 1860, nearly the entire four 
blocks of business buildings around the square of Denton have 
been leveled to the ground by flames. A part of the buildings 
on the south side of the square have never been destroyed by 
flames and the records show no instance of when the two-story 
building now occupied by Godfrey & Co., has been destroyed by 
fire. The building occupied by Godfrey & Co., was the only one 
on the east side of the square that was not destroyed by the big 
fire of 1890, when the total loss was $100,000. 

"During Denton's fire history there has been only three lives 
lost in fires. In 1887, when the James Hotel, east of the city 
hall, was destroyed by fire. Colonel Hitchcock, a veteran of the 
Mexican War, was incinerated. Again in 1911, when the Crad- 
dock block, back of the south side of the square, was destroyed, 
two firemen, Joe Tui^pen and Ernest Bushey, were killed by a 
brick wall falling on them. A third death was narrowly averted 
at that time, as Silas Grant was on the same line of hose with 
those who were killed and only quick work on the part of the 
rescuers saved his life after he had been pinned to the gi'ound 
by the falling wall. He was carried from the building in an un- 
conscious condition. 

"The west side of the square has suffered the heaviest from 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 347 

fires since 1860 than any other part of the business section of Den- 
ton. The burning of the Donahower block makes the seventh time 
that side of the square has been a partial or total loss from flames. 
The majority of the other fires have occurred on the west side 
proper, directly west of the courthouse. 

"Following is a list of the big fires in Denton taken from a 
copy of the Record and Chronicle of August, 1908, and much 
of which was destroyed by the fire in the Donahower block, only 
a part of it being left readable : 

"1860 — West side partially burned, the house on the site now 
occupied by the Scripture Building being left standing. 

"1876 — North side of the square destroyed, together with 
the courthouse. 

"1876 — South side partially burned from west end. 

"1877 — Several frame buildings on the west side. 

"1881 — North side from west end to middle of block. 

"1881 — One hundred feet in middle of south side including 
the Hann Building. 

"1884 — Clyde Hotel, northwest corner square. 

"1886 — West side, Hymes Building. 

"1887^East side, livery stable where Jarrell-Evans store 
now is. 

"1887— James Hotel, east of city hall. Colonel Hitchcock, 
veteran of the Mexican War, incinerated. 

"1890 — East side from south end to Paschall Building. 

"1890 — W. H. Pierce's store on northeast corner of square 
where Wright Building now is. 

"1893— Oak street fire consuming all buildings from city 
hall to Withers Building. 

"1895 — West side, Rutherford furniture store and Field's 
restaurant. 

"1903 — Davis Hotel and other buildings where Fulton block 
now stands. 

"1914 — Odeneal's restaurant on west side. 

"1907 — North Texas Normal College, old building. 



348 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

"1908 — West side, furniture store, millinery store and bar- 
ber shop. 

"1910 — Craddock block back of south side of square. Joe 
Turpen and Ernest Bushey killed by falling brick wall. 

"1911 — Hodge boarding houses north of Normal College. 

"1911 — Block back of west side of square, between Hickory 
and Oak streets. 

"1914 — Donahower block, occupied by Fox Brothers Hard- 
ware, Record and Chronicle. Collins restaurant and a number of 
offices. 

"1915 — Cunningham & Johnson confectionery and stationery 
store near Normal, partial loss." — Denton Record-Chronicle, Jan- 
uary, 1915. 



THE FIRE OF 1860 — IT WAS CAUSED BY THE "PRAIRIE" MATCH 

FIRST THOUGHT TO BE THE WORK OF THE ABOLITIONISTS— HOW 
IT WAS ASCERTAINED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED 
FROM THE PECULIAR MATCH 

Mr. C. A. Williams, who landed on Texas soil in 1845, and 
who has been a continuous resident of Denton for forty-two years, 
is a man full of reminiscences. Old timers of Texas will remem- 
ber that the state suffered heavy losses from fires in 1860, about 
the month of July. These fires occurred about the same date, 
and at the time there were those who charged the "nefarious 
work" to the abolitionists. They, however, protested that they 
were falsely accused, which was afterwards fully proven. 

"The fire of July 8. 1860," be^an Mr. Williams, "was caused 
by the igniting of what was then known as the 'prairie' match. 
It was indeed a peculiar match, and whether they were dipped in 
some unctuous or resinous substance, or some peculiar chemical 
unknown to other matches, I do not know, but I do know that 
the match when ignited was very hard to be extinguished. The 
wind had but little or no effect upon it. This was the reason the 
name 'praii'ie' match was given it. Another peculiarity about 
the match was that it was easily ignited during hot weathei'. 

"Well, in Texas during the sixties there was no Sunday law 
and the stores remained open on that day just the same as any 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 349 



other, but I remember on the fatal Sunday of the fire (for July 
8, 1860, fell on Sunday,) a religious meeting was in progress and 
the stores were closed. The fire originated in what is now known 
as the Greenlee corner, in Denton, about one o'clock in the after- 
noon, and burned three buildings, with stocks of goods, adjoining. 
The loss was about $80,000, for the stores were full of both spring 
and winter goods, the custom in those days being to lay in the 
stock for winter upon going to the market for summer goods — 
probably with the exception of overcoats. I don't believe the 
latter were bought along with the other goods. 

"Well, the abolitionists were charged with the burning and 
the minds of many were not changed until it was learned that at 
Lebanon, Collin County, twenty miles away, about the same time, 
while a number of citizens were seated in front of stores in the 
day time, it was discovered that smoke and flames were emanat- 
ing from a building, and upon diligent search and inquiry it was 
ascertained that no one had been around the back part of the 
building, and as the fire started at or near a place where the 
matches were kept the conclusion was reached that the fire orig- 
inated from them. 

"Afterwards it was learned that at about the same date and 
hour of the day there were fires at Pilot Point, Dallas, Waxahachie 
and two places east from Denton. The day was an oppressively 
hot one and there is no doubt in my mind but what the fires 
were all caused from the matches exploding by reason of the 
extremely hot weather." — Denton Chronicle, May 12, 1894. 

COPY OF OLD LETTER WRITTEN BY COL. O. G. WELCH 
IN AUGUST, 1861 
Below is a copy of an old letter, written by Col. Otis G. 
Welch, one of the pioneers of Denton County and one of its best 
citizens. The letter, which was furnished the Record-Chronicle 
by Boone Daugherty, Sr., will make an interesting addition to 
the history of that time as showing conditions prevailing with 
Denton County citizens at the beginning of the Civil War. The 
letter was written from "Buck Creek Camp, near Sculiville," 



350 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Indian Territory, under date of August 6, 1861, and was ad- 
dressed to Thomas T. Fry, as follows : 

"Dear Fry: We are here and hardly know when we will 
leave. We have been here about two weeks; we have not got 
any arms yet. We have got rid of the measles with the loss of 
only one man, though it has caused a great deal of suffering in 
our company and many are yet in a very bad state of health from 
its effects and may yet die. It was a very imprudent thing in 
a person or persons who suffered our boys to take it from them, 
knowing they were coming to camp. If it was me, I should feel 
almost as if I was the cause of the death and suffering of many 
brave boys. 

"The most of us are well and in fine spirits and anxious for 
a brush with the damned Union men of Missouri or anywhere 
else. We have just heard that Gen. Ben McCullough has got 
into a fight at Springfield. He will whip them if they do not 
run. I will enclose a paper containing the dispatch if I can get 
hold of one. We all want to be there, but can't. You are in 
the same fix, I suppose. 

'T have neglected writing in hopes to communicate some- 
thing definite respecting where and when we will move, but all 
is simply conjecture. We simply don't know anything. 

"We have a very pleasant campground — plenty to eat — 
horses mending, and that is about all we know. 

"Try and keep our business straight. Give my love to my 
friends, I send election returns. Yours truly, 

"Otis G. Welch." — Denton Record-Chronicle. 

FORMER RESIDENT OF DENTON COUNTY GIVES 
EARLY-DAY RECOLLECTIONS 

"Phoenix, Arizona, August 14, 1914. 
"Mr. Ed F. Bates, Denton, Texas. 

"It affords me much pleasure to give you my recollections 
of the early days of Denton. 

"My father after a year's residence in the extreme eastern 
part of the State (1852) moved to Denton County in 1853. At 
that time Alton was the county seat. The town was situated on 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 351 

Hickory Creek, six miles south of Denton. A. P. Lloyd was 
county clerk and S. A. Venters, county judge, and C. A. Williams 
was deputy assessor and collector. 

"There was no grist mill in Denton County at that time. 
There were some mills of the tread-wheel variety in Grayson, 
Collin, and Dallas counties. We made occasional visits to them 
in wagons, and often remained several days before our turn 
could be reached. The sacks were all numbered and ground ac- 
cording to numbers if you remained and insisted on your rights. 
To wait our turn then was the common lot of us all and it was 
nearly always a wait and sometimes for days as we had to have 
meal. 

"I knew of no church building in the county at that time. 
There was occasionally preaching in private houses, and under 
brush arbors. I once heard Uncle John Lovejoy say that the 
first sermon preached in Denton County was to some rangers in 
a camp on Long Prairie in the southern part of the county by 
John B. Denton. Uncle John was present and was a member of 
Denton's company. This was before there were any settlers in 
the county. 

"There was a campmeeting held in 1854 at the John House 
Spring about one and one-fourth miles east of the town of Little 
Elm. Rev. W. E. Bates, Rev. Jerry Horn, and Rev. John Moore 
were in charge of the preaching. 

"In the year 1857 the town of Denton was put upon the 
map and Rev. William E. Bates organized a Methodist church 
there. The people met in private houses as they had no church 
houses then. 

"There was a Methodist church built at Zion in the east 
part of the county in 1858. 

"The Peters Colony troubles had been in the main settled 
before I came. Mr. Oliver Hedgecoke was in charge of the office. 
At Office Branch, sometimes called Stewartsville, he had a con- 
siderable number of surveyors, William Twitty and Archie White 
and others, and also a settlers' store. This was probably two 
miles west of the present town of Hebron, and just west of the 



352 HISTORY OF DP:NT0X COUNTY 

Tom West survey. Judge S. A. Venters was clerk of the office 
and in charge of the store. 

"The colonists had become uneasy about Mr, Hedgecoke's 
actions, and, as is common in such cases, passion ran high. A 
mob was organized at Cedar Springs in Dallas County, which 
went to Mr. Hedgecoke's home on Rowlett's Creek in Collin Coun- 
ty. Mr. Hedgecoke had been advised and had fled. The mob then 
went to the office and burned it, and were furious because they 
could not find the original land papers. These papers had been 
left with Judge Venters and secreted by him. After the ex- 
citement calmed down they were delivered by him to Mr. Hedge- 
coke at old Fort Townson, north of Red River. These facts 
were related to my father (W. H. Bates) by Judge Venters in 
my presence. Mr. Hedgecoke, in surveying out the country had 
named most of the small streams in honor of his family. Hence 
we have Fosil Creek, Oliver Creek, Elizabeth Creek, Henrietta 
and Trail Creeks — the last one named for his old hound, 'Trail.' 

"At an eai'ly day there was a ranger camp at Bald Knob oi' 
Hickory Creek, just north of Pilot Knob, and there was a camp 
at Britton Springs on Elm. The ranger trail or Indian trail going 
from west back east crossed Big Elm at what was afterwards 
known as Fish Trap Crossing (established by W. E. Bates and 
Mr. Fry). It crossed Little Elm just north of A. M. Bush's 
field and Doe Branch, at R. N, Taylor's farm. 

"After the county seat was located at Denton in 1857 the 
court appointed W. H. Bates, S. J. Hawkins, and Samuel Wood- 
ruff", (the last two surveyors) to locate and open a public road 
from Denton east to the Collin County line to unite with the 
McKinney road at the line. The road located is as it now stands, 
with some minor changes. 

"I will further state in the Peters Colony work, that Mr. 
Hedgecoke in beginning to sectionize the country here first ran 
a base line from Cedar Springs in Dallas County north to Red 
Rivei- and sectionized east and west from that line, and had sec- 
tionized most of Denton County, when the office was destroyed 
and confusion came. Judge \''enters delivered the papers to Hedge- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 353 

coke and he to the land office at Austin on final settlement with 
the State, but in the lapse of time of adjustment the settlers had 
located and filed field notes over much of the county. The Hedge- 
coke work was then shelved and the settlers' surveys recognized. 
Many other things of less moment now come to my memory, but 
I must desist. Yours truly, 

"James P. Bates." 



THE congressional CONVENTION OF AUGUST, 1886 
At eleven a. m. on last Tuesday morning the Democracy of 
the Fifth Congressional District met at the court house in Den- 
ton, for the purpose of nominating a successor to our late Con- 
gressman, J. W. Throckmorton. 

Judge Carroll, chairman of the Executive Committee of 
the Dictrict, called the convention to order in a well-timed speech, 
which follows : 

JUDGE CARROLL'S SPEECH 

"Gentlemen of the Convention: Since the Democracy of 
the Fifth Congressional District assembled in convention a great 
change has been wrought in the history of our party; then we 
were engaged in a political contest unparalleled in the history of 
this country. The representative men of the party had at Chi- 
cago, in convention assembled, given to the party a platform of 
principles long enough, broad enough and wide enough for every 
Democrat from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Lakes to the 
Gulf, to stand upon ; and after throwing its banner to the breeze 
had placed its standard in the hands of Grover Cleveland and 
Thomas A. Hendricks, the result of which was a triumphant vic- 
tory on our part. The great fraud of 1876 was avenged and 
the party of bankrupt promises and prostituted political virtue 
was hurled from power. These are results of which we all should 
be proud. 

"And now you are again assembled to place before the party 
an aspirant for Congressional honors. And here I may as well 
say that he who is to be the fortunate man by your choice will 
receive the mantel upon his shoulders of the distinguished gentle- 



354 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

man, who, after a long and useful political life spent in the serv- 
ice of the people of Texas, now voluntarily retires, with all the 
honors that a grateful people can confer, to private life, followed 
by the love and respect of all. And Throckmorton in retirement 
will be as grand as when he wielded the power of the state, or 
raised his voice the 'listening senates to command.' 

"No, gentlemen, you today have the power of the Democrat 
party of this district in your hands. Let that harmony charac- 
terize your actions which always prevails where all are working 
for a common good, and with the sole view of accomplishing a 
common destiny. 

"Let your platform of principles give out no uncertain sound. 
Remember that our party has only been good and great when, 
planted upon the principles of Jefferson, she urged a war of con- 
quest under the banners of her Jackson, her Polk, her Pierce, 
her Tilden and her Cleveland, receiving alike the censure and the 
criticism of civilization. The brave and chivalrous challenge 
the admiration of their foes ; the cowardly dastard provokes but 
the contempt of his enemies. The State Convention just ad- 
journed has adopted a platform wise, conservative and patriotic, 
and has placed upon it that Christian gentleman, gallant soldier 
and clear headed statesman, Farmer General S. L. Ross, as its 
candidate for Governor, supported by the eminent and distin- 
guished jurist, T. B. Wheeler, as his lieutenant, who will roll up 
for our party a majority unparalleled in the history of the state. 
Let not the Fifth District be a laggard in the fight, but let her 
come to the front and sustain her glorious reputation earned on 
many a hard fought field. Many questions of national policy will 
challenge your attention. 

"The silver question should receive consideration. Free 
coinage of silver should be a cardinal principle in our party. The 
results of the victories won by Jackson and Benton in favor of 
a metallic basis for our currency should not be lost, and let us 
not be driven from our allegiance to this principle by the cries 
of eastern alarmists. 

"You are aware that from the action of some of our neigh- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 355 

)oring states and Territories one of your most important in- 
iustries is in a great measure strangled by useless and oppress- 
ve guarantee laws, the effect of which is to depreciate the value 
'»f your cattle interests and bring loss and ruin upon many of 
'■our most enterprising citizens. This is a matter involving inter- 
;tate commerce, and wholly within the power of Congress, and 
lome action should be taken by you to give full and free expres- 
don upon this subject. 

'The tariff and other kinds of questions will of course be 
considered by you, and to be brief upon this subject we should 
■avor such a tariff, and that upon luxuries only, as will raise 
'evenues, sufficient to support an honest and economical adminis- 
;ration of the government; and in this connection let me warn 
rou, gentlemen, to beware of the bribe that is tendered you in 
;he sugar-coated pill known as the Blair Educational Bill, which, 
vhile it professes kindness to you in its tender of funds to educate 
^our children, really seeks to take from the treasury the sur- 
)lus funds accumulated there, which should be appropriated to 
;he extinguishment of the public debt, and creating thereby a 
)retext for continuing in existence the present system of tariff 
)rotection, which enriches the few and impoverishes the many. 

"The railroads and other institutions kindred thereto are 
)ublic servants created and fostered by our bounty, and should 
3e protected by the strong arm of law and so regulated in their 
;ariff of charges that their work shall alike redound to the benefit 
)f the roads and the people. 

"Capital and labor are each dependent upon the other, and 
;he demagogue who tries to array the one against the other is 
he common enemy of both, and unworthy of the respect of any 
government-loving people. Capital is useless unless it can com- 
nand labor to utilize it, and labor must have capital to receive 
L just reward for services rendered. Each are alike the children 
►f civilization, and the law is only perfect when it protects alike 
dl classes. 

"America has made it her boast that she is the refuge of the 
lowntrodden of all the earth, and the place of refuge for the 



356 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



oppressed of all nations, but this should be with the qualification 
that he who seeks our shores as an asylum should come prepared 
to sustain our government and support our laws. Recent de- 
velopments in Chicago and other cities show that this is not 
always the case, and in view of this fact will it not soon be the 
duty of the wise and patriotic statesman to begin to seriously 
ponder the foreign emigration problem and derive some plan to 
protect home from anarchy and lawlessness ? 

"Since your last assembling we, not only as Democrats, but 
as citizens, have been called on several occasions to mourn over 
the bier of our fallen chieftains. Seymour, and Hancock, and 
Hendricks, and Tilden have passed from life unto death, and 
while we mourn their loss we venerate their memories. 
On Fame's eternal camping ground 
Their silent tents are spread, 
And Gloiy guards with solemn round 
The bivouac of the dead. 
"Let us hope that their places may be filled with others as 
good and great. 

"In conclusion, gentlemen, as the chairman of the Demo- 
cratic Executive Committee of the Fifth Congressional District, 
I return to you the trust confided in me, and hope that the exe- 
cution has received no stain while in my keeping." 

The temporary organization was effected by the election of 
Mr. L. C. Sparkman of Clay County, chairman ; Mr. C. W. Geers 
of Denton, secretary, and Mr. D. J. Kendall of Pilot Point, ser- 
geant-at-arms. Upon the permanent organization of the con- 
vention these temporary officers were elected as permanent. 

A committee on credentials was appointed, upon the recom- 
mendation of the counties themselves, by the chair, the commit- 
tee consisting of one delegate from each uncontested delegation. 
The convention ruled that proxies were not entitled to repre- 
sentation, and the following committee was appointed : 

Clay, W. A. Squires; Denton, E. C. Smith; Grayson, Joseph 
Bledsoe ; Montague, J. M. Stotts ; Rockwall, E. C. Heath ; Wichita, 
R. E. Huff; Wilbarger, B. W. Edgell; Wise, J. W. Patterson. 

Without appointing a committee on permanent organiza- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 357 

ion the convention adjourned until 1 :30 p. m. In the afternoon 
lothing was done, owing to the fact that the committee on cre- 
lentials did not report. The convention was addressed by both 
Pickett and Hare, and they were followed by Judge Carroll. Be- 
fore the adjournment of the convention in the afternoon a reso- 
ution was carried to appoint a committee on permanent organi- 
!;ation and platform and resolutions, one member from each 
county. The following committee was then appointed: 

Clay, W. A. Squires; Cooke, J. M. Lindsay; Grayson, L. A. 
jilbert ; Montague, T. W. Lamb ; Rockwall, Judge Heath ; Wichi- 
;a, R. D. Huff; Wilbarger, B. W. Edgell; Wise, J. D. White; Den- 
;on, D. J. Eddleman. 

Mr. Garnett announced that the contesting delegation of 
I^ooke County had agreed on a basis of settlement, and that the 
committee on credentials would be ready to report by 9 p. m., 
vhereupon the convention adjourned until 8 p. m. 

At the Tuesday night's session the committee on credentials 
'eported in favor of half representation each for the contesting 
lelegations of Cooke County and reported adversely to the Clay 
Vlack contesting delegation from Collin County. 

J. M. Hall, of Montague, presented a minority report, re- 
commending that the Clay Mack delegation be permitted to cast 
lalf the Collin County vote, and informing the convention that 
rregularities attached to each set of delegates. The majority 
report of the committee was adopted. Mr. Mack addressed the 
convention, saying: 

'T apprehend that the convention will be inclined to sustain 
:he majority report, but I could not leave here and go back to my 
people without saying something before this vote is taken. I 
could not go back and say I have done my duty, and I have never 
Deen placed in a position of public trust where I have failed of 
ioing my full duty. We first were called together by the Farm- 
ers' Alliance and Laborers of Collin County, but in the course of 
events, under the force of circumstances, felt ourselves con- 
strained to call ourselves the 'Collin County Democracy.' The 
convention closed us out as the representatives of those elements 



358 HISTORY OF DENTON COtlNTY 



of Collin County, but we came before you tonight opposed to third* 
termism, and in the interest of the laboring and producing classes 
We stand tonight, proud of our Democratic principles, and to 
vindicate that flag which we brought here. That flag is our flag ; 
we fight under it. It is a Democratic flag, because the platform 
in which it is created is Democratic [Applause.] Our platform 
is against national banks, railroads and monopolies, and is for 
the farming and laboring interests of the country. We ask that 
that element be heard. Strike us down and our principles are 
still there and we will stand and make a firht. and we are not 
afraid to make it. [Apnlause.] We know somethinrr of the peo- 
ple of North Texas. We come here representing the farmers and 
laborers of Collin County. We stop at a wagon yard, and we 
are not ashamed of it." 

Mr. Humphreys — "Did you come here from a Democratic 
convention called by the chairman of Collin County?" 

Mr. Mack — "The Farmers' Alh'ance and Knights of Labor 
on the 29th of May made propositions to the regular executive 
committee looking to certain compromises, but they refused the 
propositions." Mr. IMack then recited the historv of the muddle 
as heretofore reported in the proceedings of the State convention. 
He was replied to by Mr. Kraig, of Collin, who said the 
trouble lay in an issue made by Mr. Mack against the Democratic 
party. "It was discovered." he said, "that bv some manipulation 
of the convention of Knights of Labor and members of the Farm- 
ers' Alliance that these organizations might be transferred into 
a political machine for the advancement of some enterprising 
politician who did not have strength enough to go before the 
Democratic party. They laid down the gage of battle to the 
Democratic party and nominated a full county ticket upon the 
principle, in the language of President Cleveland, that the Demo- 
cratic party had fallen into a state of innocuous desuetude." [Ap- 
plause.] 

"And did thev not nominate Republicans?" 

Mr. Kraig — "They nominated one Republican." 

The report of the committee on platform and permanent 



HISTOEY OF DENTON COUNTY 359 

organization endorsed the platform adopted at the State conven- 
tion; called for a redemption of the pledges made by the Demo- 
cratic party in Chicago in 1884, looking to tariff reform ; endorsed 
Reagan's interstate commerce bill; deprecated the attempt to 
degrade the silver dollar and favored the free coinage of silver ; 
denounced the national banks as injurious to the best interests 
of the State and demanded their abolition as soon as possible; 
demanded legislation looking to a cattle trail and removal of the 
harsh quarantine restrictions against cattle. 

The report was adopted. 

The convention then went into the nomination of candidates 
for Congress. 

Mr. Belistafar, of Grayson, put Judge Silas Hare in nomi- 
nation, which was seconded by McReady, of Grayson. 

J. W. Patterson, of Wise, put Colonel Pickett in nomination, 
seconded by E. C. Smith,of Denton. 

R. V. Bell, of Cooke, put Judge Barrett, of Cooke, in nomi- 
nation, seconded by C. L. Potter, of Cooke. 

THE BALLOTING 

Six ballots were taken without a change, as follows : 

Hare, 34 ; Pickett, 32 ; Barrett, 13 ; and standing by counties 
as follows: 

Hare— Archer, 1 ; Baylor, 1 ; Clay, 2 ; Collin, 7 ; Grayson, 18 ; 
Montague, 3; Rockwall, 2. 

Pickett — Collin, 7; Denton, 10; Montague, 3; Wichita, 1; 
Wise, 11. 

Barrett — Cooke, 11 ; Montague, 11 ; Wilbarger, 1. 

There being no indication of a chance to open the deadlock, 
the convention adjourned until 8 o'clock, a. m., on Wednesday. 

The convention was called to order at 9 a. m. on Wednesday 
morning. Before balloting commenced Mr. Daugherty withdrew 
the name of Judge Barrett, which had the effect of pushing 
Colonel Pickett ahead, the first vote standing Pickett, 42 ; Hare, 
37; and afterward as the result of a correction in Cooke County 
fractions, Pickett, 411/2; Hare, 371/2; Pickett's gain being 71/2 
from Cooke County and one each from Montague and Wilbarger. 



360 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



Hare's gain by the withdrawal of Barrett was 31/2 from Cooke. I 

On the fourteenth ballot being announced Doctor Lair, of 
Collin, broke the monotony, saying : 

"I am not afraid of the election of a Republican or Green- 
backer, and I am opposed to a dark horse. I therefore make a 
motion that after two more ballots, if there is no coming together, 
we turn both candidates loose on the track and see which cat 
licks up the butter." 

Here Chairman Sparkman made a rousing speech in opposi- 
tion to the motion, and it was withdi'awn. A recess was taken 
until 11 a. m., when the ballot was renewed without material 
change. At noon-time the convention took a recess until after 
dinner. 

Before entering on the afternoon session Professor Pitman, 
by permission, addressed the convention in the interest of the 
Confederate Home at Austin. 

Hostilities were then renewed by a motion offered by Mr. 
Smith, of Denton, referring candidates to the action of a primary 
election. The motion was seconded, at which Mr. Hodges said: 
"We came here for the purpose of nominating a Congressman 
from this district, and before turning men loose it is the duty 
of this convention to exhaust everything. I understand that 
there are delegations here instructed first for Mr. Pickett and 
second for Judge Hare. It has been shown that Judge Pickett 
cannot get in. Then, I ask, is it not the duty of the delegations 
of those counties to vote for the man who can come in ? Let this 
convention stand here and elect a man who is the choice of this 
convention. There is no question but Judge Hare is the choice 
of this convention." 

Mr. Smith, of Denton — "As the mover of that motion I am 
one of that class of delegates who have been casting their votes 
for George B. Pickett. He has led this convention for nearly 
twenty ballots, and it comes in bad grace from a minority of this 
convention to stand up and tell us that their candidate is the 
most popular. We are here instructed for Judge Pickett, and I 
believe this delegation will be true to its instructions, and will 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 361 

lever abandon Judge Pickett as long as he is before this con- 
tention. Why, then, does this minority expect with reason that 
ve should abandon him for whom we are instructed and who 
eads the convention?" Mr. Smith here made a motion to leave 
;he whole matter to primary conventions, to be called later on. 

Mr. Gilbert, of Grayson, made a strong appeal to the Den- 
on delegation to unlock the convention by discharging their duty 
;o the second choice of their county, as a reminder of which he 
■ead the published report of the Denton County Democratic Con- 
tention. He believed that if the matter were submitted to the 
)eople of Denton, from what he had learned. Judge Hare would 
)e their choice. 

During the delivery of this address there was a small side 
;xhibition to which the sergeant-at-arms had to be called for the 
)urpose of averting a theatrical collision between Mr. Garnett, 
»f Cooke, and Mr. Squires, of Clay. 

"Mr. Smith, of Denton, closed the discussion. He inquired 
if Mr. Gilbert, of Grayson, in the name of honesty, how could he 
isk the delegates of Denton to solve the problem by dishonoring 
hemselves through disobedience to their instructions. The dele- 
gation, rather than consent to such a course, would, he said, suffer 
heir right arms to be chopped off. Mr. Smith concluded by 
withdrawing his motion, stating that he had offered it as the 
►nly solution to the question which, from appearances, the dele- 
S^ates of Denton could propose. 

'Two more ballots were taken without change or the pros- 
)ects of a change, with the effect of inducing Judge Clay Potter, 
rf Cooke, to offer a motion relegating the matter to the Democ- 
racy of the district and pledging that Democracy, to the support 
)f one or the other of the candidates. He saw no hope of nomi- 
lating either of the candidates. 

Mr. Patterson, of Wise, offered an amendment requesting 
;he chairman of the district committee to call primaries to send 
lelegates to a congressional convention for the purpose of nomi- 
lating a candidate for the Fifth Congressional District. 

This new avenue of escape led to a protracted discussion. 



362 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



in which Mr. Bell, of Cooke County, took the lead in an appeal 
for final action, saying that the sorrel colt, Judge Barrett, was 
not a dark horse, he having already been before the convention, 
and he was a candidate upon whom Throckmorton's mantle (that 
garment as sacred as the flag of Mahomet) would fall with grace. 

Judge Carroll, of Denton, as chairman of the Dictrict Exec- 
utive Committee, here delivered a forcible appeal in the interest 
of a nomination. 

Judge Potter opposed Mr. Patterson's amendment, as lay- 
ing down the bars for Republicans and Greenbackers and Mr. 
Patterson then withdrew his amendment. 

This was followed by a hot debate between Mr. Gamett, 
of Cooke, who, by implication, admitted that Grayson County was 
afraid of the shadow of W. 0. Davis, and Mr. Randall, of Gray- 
son, who, like Sheridan at New Orleans, wanted to know "Who 
was afraid?" and asserted that Grayson County was most cer- 
tainly not afraid of Davis. 

At this point it was suggested that there would probably 
be a change in the ballot, which had the effect of inducing Judge 
Potter to withdraw his motion for the present. 

On the thirtj''-third ballot Collin changed half a vote to 
Hare, and on the thirty-fourth Wichita changed its vote to Hare, 
but on the thirty-sixth it changed back to Pickett, the ballot 
then standing Pickett, 40; Hare, 39. The next two ballots re- 
sulting in no change, the convention voted on an adjournment 
of an hour. 

On reassembling resolutions of sympathy with ex-Govemor 
Throckmorton in his illness, were adopted, after which balloting 
was resumed till the forty-fourth was taken. There still being 
no change, Mr. Garnett of Cooke, offered resolutions favoring the 
dissolution of the convention and doing the work over through 
county conventions and a Congressional convention. 

These I'esolutions were tabled by a roll call, the vote stand- 
ing 54 to 24, and the convention then had to resort to a new 
process. 

The forty-fourth ballot stood: Hare — Archer, 1; Baylor, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 363 

1; Clay, 2; Collin, 4; Cooke, 4; Grayson, 18; Montague, 3; Rock- 
wall, 2 ; Wilbarger, 1 ; total 39. 

Pickett — Collin, 7; Cooke, 7; Denton, 10; Montague, 4; 
Wichita, 1 ; Wise, 11 ; total 40. 

The last deal was attended with considerable caloric and 
the services of the sergeant-at-arms had to be called into action 
to prevent a collision between the warring forces of Cooke 
County. 

The balloting commenced with a gain of one for Pickett 
from Montague at night. 

On the result of the fiftieth ballot being announced, a dele- 
gate from Collin moved that instructed delegates be relieved of 
their instructions by a vote of the convention. 

A point of order that the convention had no authority over 
the subject sustained. 

Judp-e Gilbert, of Grayson, an-ain took occasion to remind 
instructed delegates that in view of the necessHv for makincr a 
nomination they could vote as thev pleased. This brought Mr. 
Smith- of Denton, to his feet. He said : 

"I want to ask the gentleman from Gravson Cour»tv if he 
considers himself the keeper of the consciences of the delegates 
from Denton ?" 

To which Jvdp-e Gilbert renhVd: "I desire to sav that I 
thank God that the conscience of the Denton delegation is not 
on mv head." 

This interchange of courtesies was followed bv a deafening 
outburst of uproar, which was broup-ht to a close bv the firmness 
of the presidinp^ officers, who declined to indulge the belligerent 
parties to any further extent. 

On the fiftv-fourth ballot Pickett received a further gain 
of 1 from Montague County, which made the vote stand : Pickett, 
42; Hare, 36. 

Mr. B?iiley, of Cooke, on the sixtv-first ballot beincr an- 
nounced without change offered a resolution turning Colonel 
Pickett, Judge Hare and Barrett loose upon the district. 

The president of the convention seconded the resolution on 



364 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

the ground of necessity. Just as a vote was about to take place 
Judge Carroll again took the platform and said : 

"I expect that I know what I say when I tell you that you 
ai'e not the only organization which has been in session in Denton 
this week. There has been another convention besides the Demo- 
cratic Con\ention in session, and it has been composed of all the 
elements who seek to tear down the Democratic party." He ad- 
vised the convention if it could not make a nomination to relegate 
the matter back to the primaries. 

Mr. Bailey, replying, alluded to the fact that each vote had 
added bitterness to the contest. The time had arrived, he thought, 
when it would be impossible to effect a nomination. He did not 
believe thei'e was a Democrat in the district who would vote for 
a mongrel. 

A delegate fi'om Collin moved to strike out the name of 
Judge Barrett, but being assured that Judge Barrett would not 
come to the fi'ont, he withdi'ew the motion. 

Mr. Bailey's motion was then adopted — ayes, 56 ; nays, 23 ; 
and the bridles were thereby taken off the candidates. For 
chairman of the district executive committee, G. W. Barefoot, of 
Montague, was elected, and E. C. Smith was elected on the com- 
mittee from Denton County. 

After complimentaiy I'esolutions passed the convention ad- 
journed sine die. — Denton Chronicle, August 21, 1886. 

Mr. Joseph W. Bailey, of Cooke County, who was in attend- 
ance on the convention in Denton, created a very favorable im- 
pression upon the people who heard him talk. He is unassum- 
ing, modest and earnest in all that he says and does, while speak- 
ing. He is strikingly handsome, and the most marked feature 
of the gentleman's general appearance is his striking likeness of 
the celebrated Henry Ward Beecher. We hope that he may have 
all the latter's good qualities. We pi-edict for Mr. Bailey a future 
of much usefulness to the Democratic party. — Denton Chronicle, 
August 21, 1886. 

As intimated in Judge Carroll's speech, the Collin County 
Democracy had severed in twain. Clay Mack was at the head 
of the Collin County Democracy running on a "free gi'ass" plat- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 365 

form of his own. J. W. Throckmorton was the leader of the 
regular Democracy. 

A spirit of dissatisfaction with the old convention methods 
of nominating the candidates was the only real issue between 
them, and personal politics was largely to biame. It took a 
decade for the division to reunite. It was largely state-wide, and 
was the forerunner of the primary election law. 

The November election gave the following returns for 
Congress: Hare, 1774 votes; Pickett, 695; Mack, 1008. Pickett 
had secured Denton County's convention vote, which was in- 
structed to vote for Pickett first, last, and all the time. Hare 
carried the county over him by 1079 majority, demonstrating 
that the convention method was not representative at that time. 

For State Senator, William Allen received 1994 and W. A. 
Kendall 1446 votes. For Floater, J. D. Naylor 1782, G. S. Huling 
1724; for representative, C. C. Bell 1563, P. C. Bush 1303, J. E. 
McWhorter 719; for county judge, S. M. Bradley 2653, T. T. Fry 
1016; for district clerk, J. R. Edwards 3622; for county clerk, 
J. D. Parks 1537, J. R. McCormick 1853, C. A. McMeans 275 ; for 
assessor, W. F. Egan 2110, W. L. Rector 1283 ; for tax collector, 
J. W. Cook 1072, L. L. Zumwalt 1041, G. P. Davis 1050, F. M. 
Ready 175, E. Biggerstaff 219 ; for county treasurer, J. M. John- 
son 1142, John McMurray (Republican) 1341, S. N. Curley 436, 
J. K. Holland 730 ; for county surveyor, W. C. Pierce 2380, J. F. 
Edwards 1276; for county attorney, I. D. Ferguson 2608, J. M. 
Blankenship 1037 ; for sheriff, C. F. McDonald 500, W. H. Kin- 
dred 267, T. M. Walden 53, William Sparks 1027, J. P. Kirkman 
5, J. M. Hutchinson 31, D. J. Kendall 350, M. H. Ellis 528, J. M. 
Roark 314, R. W. Terrell 688. 

This was the last open race for county offices in Denton 
County. The people had elected two Republicans, Lewellen Mur- 
phy, surveyor, and John McMurray, treasurer, in the past. The 
county officers after that were elected upon their merits, inde- 
pendent of political opinions. Two years later the political di- 
vision came.- 



366 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

FOLLOWING THE SUN IN THE FIFTIES— DENTON COLONY OF 

PIONEERS STRIKES FOR GOLDEN WEST 

By Rachkl Eads 

"I am now in my eighty-first year, having been in Los Ange- 
les county fifty-five years the fourth day of December, 1812. 
Our trip here was both hard and dangerous. People who come 
here in Pullman cars with all the comforts of modern customs 
know nothing of the hardships. We neither came in Pullman 
cars nor emigrant cars nor stage coaches, but in schooner wagons 
drawn by three or four oxen. May 15, 1857, some twenty fami- 
lies, thirty wagons, and fifty men started from Denton, Texas, 
for the 'Setting of the Sun,' as we called it then, for people 
thought then that California was about the jumping off place. 
Samuel Hazelton was elected our captain, also a corporal of the 
guard was appointed, and everything arranged in order for the 
men to take turns every night in standing guard. The wagons 
were to travel single file, the one that drove in front one day fell 
behind the next day, so every one took their turn driving in 
front. When the captain had decided on a camping place, the 
wagons were drawn around in a circle, forming a corral in case 
of an attack by Indians or stampede of cattle. The men herded 
the cattle outside and stood guard at night. 

"We got on fairly well, considering so many women and 
children, wicked men and bronco oxen until we reached Fort 
Davis. Here we found plenty of good water and some grass. 
We remained there two days, then started for Dead Man's Hole 
expecting to get water there, a distance, I think, of about twenty 
miles. When we reached that place the water was dried up and 
a long distance ahead to water. We turned around and went back 
to Fort Davis, ourselves and cattle almost starved for water. 
We had to remain there two weeks before our cattle were able 
to move on. Here, as was our custom, the women washed and 
cooked and made ready for the long, hard trip across the long, 
hard desert. Our cooking did not consist of pies, cakes, salads, 
and boiled eggs, but of bacon, black coffee, dried beans, and bread 
made with water, as such a thing as baking powder was not 
known in those days. Occasionally we had a mess of dried 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 367 



eaches. Many a night I have washed until midnight, hung my 
othes on the sage bush and the air was so drying they would be 
ry by morning. Then I would gather them up, put them in a 
ick and they were ready for wear. Everything weighty was 
iscarded, our wagons were examined, not a trunk or box was al- 
>wed. We did our mending as we traveled. 

DEATH'S HOLE IN THE DESERT 

"After our two weeks' rest at Fort Davis we started from 
lere and I think the next watering place was what was called 
le 'Devil's Hole.' It was just a round hole in the desert, and no 
ae had ever found the bottom. We heard that one man rode up 
ear it on his mule and jumped off, the poor animal, starved for 
ater, plunged into it and went down, saddle and all, and never 
as seen again. 

"We dreaded the Pecos River, as it was usually high at that 
3ason of the year. Before we reached that place the Indians 
ipped in one night and stole all the horses and we were driving 
number of loose cattle in order to have fresh oxen in case our 
iams gave out. The poor men were compelled to trudge through 
18 deep, scorching sand on foot and drive the cattle. So when 
e reached the Pecos River at the Horse Head Crossing, we found 
a raging torrent. The captain said we must cross, for we had 
:arted with only enough provisions to do us across and if we 
elayed we would run out, with no chance to get any more. Now, 
i;^ery wagon had a barrel lashed on the back for the purpose of 
auling water from one watering place to another. In fact, we 
ever knew just when we would find water, so we were careful 
ever to leave a watering place without filling all the water 
essels. 

"We had to proceed on our journey, so the men took down 
arrels enough to fill a wagon bed and fastened them down in the 
ed, and lashed the bed fast to the running gear of the wagon, 
nd hitched four yoke of oxen to the wagon, loaded as many as 
Duld get on the barrels, and with two men on either side of the 
xen and one on either side of the wagon to keep it from up- 
etting, they swam back and forth until they had crossed all the 



368 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

women and children and men that could not swim, and all sui 
plies. The cattle swam over, all that did not drown. My sistei 
and myself were brave enough to cross on the first load, and as 
we found nothing for fuel but small sage roots, we set to diggini 
roots and making coffee for the poor chilled men when thej 
came over. Every load we gave them a cup of hot coffee in 
tin cup, for we had nothing but tin dishes. 

A FALSE ALARM 

"The next watering place, as I remember, was the Doubtful 1 
Pass, and we had been told the most dangerous place on the en-j 
tire route. When we were within ten miles of that place some 
one of our men with a spyglass discovered a large company of 
men coming toward us. Judging them to be Indians everything 
was in terrible confusion. Thei'e wei'e so many of them we ex- 
pected they would kill all the men and carry off all the women and 
children. Every man's gun was put where he could get it in a 
moment and everything made ready for battle. It was the only 
watering place for a long distance and it was only a small seepage, 
and the night must be spent there in order to water all the stock. 
Now it was only a small recess in the mountains and tall moun- 
tains all around. We had but little hope of ever reaching the 
water, and if we did the Indians would surely take us there. I 
got out my children's shoes and tied them fast on their little feet, 
so the rocks and cactus thorns would not tear them in case they 
were carried off. By the way, we had two little girls, one four, 
and the other two years old. In this dreadful state we started 
on. We were coming together fast, for they were mounted men, 
when the man with the spyglass discovered they were soldiers. 
They were sent from a fort on the Rio Grande to bury a lot of 
people that had been murdered in a train right ahead of us in 
the pass, and to look out and see if they could see another train. 
They sighted us and were coming to guard us through the pass. 
Imagine, if you can, the joyful shouts that rang through that 
crowd, that a few moments befoi'e were in such dreadful state. 
They rode on each side of our wagons guarding us in to the 
watering place, and camped with us all night. There was just 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 369 

nough room where we had to stop to corral our wagons. Our 
ivagon stood in about ten feet of where one man had been killed 
and his hair lay scattered on the ground, and there the wagons 
tiad been burned. The soldiers had picked up the bodies and 
burned them. The next morning they guarded us out of the 
sanyon and then left us. 

A SON BORN IN THE DESERT 

"We traveled a long distance before we crossed the river 
at El Paso and started to Tucson, as that was a noted place. I 
3an't remember the distance, but you must remember I am writ- 
ing this from memory after the lapse of fifty-five years, but some 
iistance before we reached Tucson we camped one night at a dry 
place, no water, wood or grass. It was about twelve miles from 
Fort Buchanan, in the Gadsden purchase. Before the next morn- 
ing we had a son born to us, something like Gipsy Smith, born on 
the desert under a schooner wagon. We started as soon as they 
?ot a bite to eat and hitched up, to the fort, twelve miles distance, 
and we lay there ten days. When we reached Tucson the in- 
labltants were all Mexicans and Indians. They gathered around 
mr wagons so thick we could hardly see through them. Some 
)f them slipped my three-weeks-old baby away and ran off with 
it. I missed it in a moment and it could not be found. Can you 
imagme my feelings? We were about to have war when some 
)f our men found some women with it away out in a little adobe 
lut. We were glad to get our baby and get out of there as soon 
as possible. 

"As well as I remember the next hard trial came when within 
about twelve miles of the Pemo village. It was a long dry stretch, 
ive had almost run out of water. We stopped, ate lunch and 
started for the next night. It was much cooler traveling by 
light, and we were hoping to reach the village, which was on the 
jila River, by daylight. We had not gone more than two hundred 
^ards when the oxen took fright, broke to run with the wagons, 
families in them, and left the road and ran in every direction. I 
Nas sitting in front of our wagon with my baby in my lap, the 
:wo little girls behind me. I threw one hand back and caught 



370 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

both by their clothes, and held the baby in the other arm. I 
almost smothered the baby to death. My husband was driving 
the oxen, and they are not driven with lines like horses, so the 
men have to walk by the side of the team and drive. They left 
my husband behind and ran almost a mile before they stopped. 
My limb next to the wagon bed was beaten and bruised until it 
was black. When everything had been gathered up and gotten 
together, one child was found to have been almost killed, and one 
man died in about half an hour after the wagons had been gotten 
together. 

"Now there were broken wagons to mend, cattle to herd, a 
dead man to bury, and all kinds of bruises to doctor, and twelve 
miles from water, and with only a few gallons in the whole train. 
You may think someone might have gone on and brought water 
back, but you must know the danger of Indians was so great we 
did not dare to divide our forces. 

STORY OF A BRAVE BOY 

"One biave youth — if living today he deserves a Carnegie 
medal, for when we weie on a long dry stretch trying to reach 
the Sulphur Springs our teams began to give out and lie down. 
The women and children that could had to get out and walk. We 
trudged on. Finally one man had to leave his wagon and a part 
of the train decided to leave those with the most tired teams to 
their fate and try to save themselves. They left us, pushed on 
and reached the water, and this brave boy filled as many canteens 
as he could carry and braving the danger all alone, came back to 
meet us, with feet blistered and bleeding. He found us about 
five miles back. We drank of the water, let our teams lie down 
until the sun got low, and then we got through to water. 

"There the men got the things gathered up the best they 
could, built a fire of sage brush to make a light, dug a hole, rolled 
the dead man in his blankets, put him in and covered him up. 
By daylight things were patched up, so we started on and arrived 
at the Pemo village on the Gila River, about the middle of the 
afternoon, tired, thirsty and hungry as wolves. The Pemos were 
very friendly, and glad to see us, but told us if we did not give 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 371 

;hem a beef they would steal one, so we gave them a beef, and 
:hey kept their word, but stole everything else they could get 
:heir hands on. You never went into your wagon but they were 
:ight there. One day when I was hunting something in my 
kvagon they spied some red flannel that I had and they wanted 
[t. They were doing a little farming along the river, and had 
raised some watermelons, and they began to bring melons to sell 
for red flannel. I could get a big watermelon for a strip of flannel 
two inches wide and long enough to go around their head. Well, 
[rom there we went to the Maricopa Wells, another Indian village ; 
they were the Maricopas. They were friendly too, but said we 
tiad given the Pemos a beef and if we did not give them one they 
ivould steal one, so we had to give them one. The Yuma Indians 
tiad come in on the Maricopas and they had a big battle right 
tiear where we camped. The Maricopas had killed a number 
Df the Yumas and the rest had fled and left their dead lying on 
the ground near our camp. Our stay at this place was short. 

A GREEN OASIS FOUND 

"From there we started across the Gila Bend, another long, 
iry stretch. We reached the Colorado River just below where 
:he Gila empties into it, went down the Colorado some distance, 
'ound good grass, and camped three weeks to let our teams re- 
cuperate, as the long, dry, sandy Colorado desert was just ahead 
)f us. Well, after our three weeks rest we crossed. There was 
i small ferry boat there, a poor contrivance, but we managed to 
cross with the loss of a few cattle and started for Los Angeles. 
STow that we had reached the golden state our spirits revived. 

A SAMARITAN FROM TEXAS 

"Just as my husband reached El Monte he met a man that 
lad lived in the house with us in Texas. He had come here in 
L855 and settled in El Monte. He took my husband to his house, 
:urned the mule in the pasture, caught two big fat horses, yoked 
I big fat yoke of oxen, and they mounted their horses, drove the 
)xen and came to meet us. I could hardly believe my own eyes 
when I saw them. A man with a white shirt on and fat horses 
md cattle ; it could hardly be true. But the greatest shock was 



372 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



to come yet. He said, 'Now you are going to my house and stay 
until you are rested and look around.' Nothing else would do, 
and when we got there his good wife met us, gave us a hearty 
welcome and invited us into a real house, and oh, wonders, there 
sat a table with a snow-white tablecloth and white dishes, fresh 
butter and milk and vegetables. Now that was a sight to me at 
that time. Our clothes were all dingy from washing in all kinds 
of water and our tablecloths had been spread right down on the 
ground as everybody sat down on the ground to eat on this trip. 
"I am at my journey's end. My home has been in Los Ange- 
les ever since. I have been back to the old home in Denton Coun- 
ty three times."— Fort Worth Record, April 20, 1913. 

MRS. RACHEL EADS TELLS OF LIFE IN DENTON COUNTY 

"Los Angeles, California, May 4, 1914. 
"Mr. Ed F. Bates, Denton, Texas. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I will try to answer your questions as near as I can remem- 
ber. In regard to the names of those that came with us across 
the plains, the greater number of them met us in Denton from 
other counties, and we made our final start from Denton. I sup- 
pose you only want the names of those from Denton. They were 
as follows: Samuel Hazelton (captain) and family; Rev. John 
A. Fi'eeman and family ; Andrew S. Harris and family ; Mrs. Doc- 
tor Doen and family ; David Rogers and family ; Whitney Rogers 
and family; Richard Eads and family; John Wiswell and family. 
Single men : John Mills, Solomon Fried, John Dugan, John Moss, 
Frank Foley, James Foley, and a Mr. Sexton. Every man with 
a family had one man hired. 

"In 1845, Andrew S. Harris, Francis L. Harris, Perry Malone 
and Rev. John A. Freeman, all brothers and brothers-in-law of 
mine, moved to Denton County from Missouri. John A. Freeman 
was one of the first Baptist ministers in that part of the country. 
He organized the Lonesome Dove church and preached in that 
community for about twelve years. 

"In 1850, my father, Hiram Harris, my two brothers, Ely 
G. and 0. Wiley Harris, moved to Denton, Texas, from Cass Coun- 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 373 



ty, Missouri. I was about eighteen years old at that time. In 
1851, I was married to Richard Eads, a brother of James Eads 
jand the son of Jesse Eads, who moved to Denton in 1848 from 
iPlatt County, Missouri, and put up a grist mill near the edge of 
the Grand Prairie. Yes, I went to Denton in the days of log 
icabins, ox teams, homespun dresses, tallow candles and flint-lock 
guns, and when moccasin tracks were not uncommon. 

"Brother Wiley Harris, who was Whig Harris' father, was 
captain of a home guard at the beginning of the Civil War and 
was called out later and wounded in a battle at Hot Springs, Ar- 
kansas, and died later from the wound. 

"My father settled on Hickory Creek, about half a mile from 
where Denton now stands. The town was not laid off until some 
time after he settled there and it was first called Alton, if I am 
not mistaken. 

"In regard to the condition of the country at that time, water 
was scarce and a great many people hauled their drinking water 
from standing pools in the creek beds. It was very unhealthy, 
consequently there was a great deal of sickness. You ask why 
we left Denton. We left hoping to better ourselves, both finan- 
cially and physically. 

"We started with meal and flour enough to do us all the way, 
for there would be no chance to get more on the way, either 
ground or unground. There were a few United States forts on 
the way, but they were not allowed the privilege of selling pro- 
visions to anybody. Wood was scarce a good part of the time 
and we had to cook our meals with weeds and grass. 

"Very truly yours, 

"Mrs. Rachel Eads." 



SOME EXCERPTS FROM EARLY-DAY LETTERS WRITTEN FROM 
DENTON COUNTY AFTER WAR 

These letters from an early day give additional insight into 
the Denton of pioneer davs — the days when Reconstruction was 
rife and the Southron's blood ran hot against the "Yankees," as 
the old missives so well show. These old letters purport to have 
been written by a Denton County citizen to a friend in Arkansas, 



^74 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

and relate so many things of interest, both then and now, that 
they are well worth perusal, even by those latter-day arrivals 
to whom names and incidents mentioned are not familiar. 

Denton. Texas, September 16, 1868. 
Dear Fi'iend : 

Well, we are still eating vegetables and living on the fat of 
the land. Mrs. Hughes brought over to the house this morning 
a beet that measured twenty-four inches around, and that was 
not the biggest one in the patch. 

This must be a healthy country, for they tell me that there 
is a gentleman named Payne, who lives a few miles from Denton, 
who has reached the age of 115 years, and is still able to get on 
a horse and chase around hunting cows. They say he rides over 
the prairie as gaily as any youth. 

W. H. Mounts is on his way to New York to buy goods and 
will go by way of New Orleans, Galveston and Houston. 

Mr. Collins is also on his way to market. 

Uncle Billy Bates, who lives over on the east side of the 
county, brought a whole lot of cabbage to town and gave them 
away to his friends. Our folks were among his friends, all right. 

The niggers have organized a Sunday School do\Mi Elm 
aways and one of the teachers asked a young coon "who died for 
him," and he said "Abe Linkum." Now what do you think of that? 

The doctoi's say this is a very healthy country. You may 
tell those chill-ridden inhabitants of the swamps along the river 
that there is a land where quinine is not a necessity before break- 
fast. I have not even tasted Peruvian bark bitters for six 
months. You had better come home. A few prairie chickens 
have come in already and before long there will be lots of them. 

Yours very truly, 



Denton, Texas, August 30, 1868. 

This is Sunday and if I can stay awake long enough I guess 
I will tell you a part at least of the news. Also some of the 
gossip. News — real news — is a little scarce some times but 
there is always something to talk about, even if it is nothing but 
our neighbors' politics. 

It is reported that the soldiers stationed at Dallas are really 
nice and genteel fellows. I know you will be glad to hear this, 
especially since we have had so many that were not. The people 
and the soldiers at Dallas are getting along fine. About the only 
place I know where they are. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 375 

Mr. Benjamin Mc Adams was here from Pilot Point this 
week and had with him some of the finest peaches I ever saw. 

Ml'. N. V. Lawler brought the folks a mess of veal and it was 
nice. 

Judge Venters had a small limb off a peach tree up town this 
week and it had eight fine large peaches on it. 

D. H. Turner of Pilot Point was showing some exceptionally 
fine peaches in the city this week. There seems to be a very 
great and growing interest in fruit raising in this county. 

Rev. J. C. Smith and wife are attending District Conference 
in Collin County at present. 

The people of Denton have an invitation from the people of 
Waco to attend their grand railroad barbecue and ball on the 
twenty-eighth. Now if we only had us a tap road we could get 
on the iron horse and gallop down and partake of the festivities, 
but as it is our horses are too slow and too shortwinded for many 
of us to make the trip. 

A short time ago one Mr. Dota, aged about sixty, wooed and 
won as his blushing bride, one Mrs. Dooley, aged about the same. 

Judge Carroll gave the boss at our house a fine bucket of 
sweet potatoes and Thomas Fry brought a twig with twenty 
peaches on it to town — just to show Judge Venters that he was 
not the only peach-raiser in the county. 

The young fellows of the town have organized a debating 
society and now we may expect eloquence to fiow in the city of 
Denton. 

The citizens had an Indian chase last week and the Indians 
got away as usual. The way these raiding Indians manage to 
escape is truly wonderful. Gathering all the horses along the 
route, their march is continued both day and night, without rest 
for horse or redskin, until the mountains are reached and the 
trophies secured in safe retreat. Indians never think of a halt 
in such a flight, either for rest or sleep, the only stop being for 
the purpose of corralling the herd long enough to procure fresh 
horses, and shoot the ones that are run down. But this shrewd 
policy might easily be thwarted if the citizens on the frontier 
were always on the alert and ready for an attack. Either this 
is disregarded by our citizens in consequence of the trust reposed 
in the U. S. soldiery at Jackboro, or because of the present satrap 
laws that prohibit any armed force in the State. Thus it is 
* ^:= =i^ our State will render no security whatever against 
the Indians, and when the cries of the murdered women and chil- 
dren have aroused the people of the land to the rescue, the charge 



376 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

of disloyalty and rebellion are at once raised and a disarming 
force is sent to disperse our citizens. 

You know I told you before you left that the troops that are 
stationed on our frontier are vastly injurious to the lives and 
property of our people. They give no protection themselves 
and will allow no organization of the citizens for that purpose. 
It has been openly stated by men who claim to know that there is 
such antipathy against Texas existing among the officers of 
these troops that they even delight in seeing the savages commit 
their murderous deeds upon her people. 

* * * 

I did not mail this in time to get off last week, so I will add 
some more, and thus have two letters in one. 

The Baptist meeting has just closed and I heard it reported 
that everv younn- lady in town was a mourner during its progress. 

Mr. Parr, who lives a few miles south of town, brought in 
some peaches this week. Some of them were fine as yon e"ev 
san' and some ^''ere absolntel''' no ac("0'^rt. Fe pa""s he cltiva^H 
the sorr ones best and now he has to cut the tree down. He 
called his good peaches his Democrats and his sour ones his 
Radicals. 

On Tr.esdav c'enin^^ oin- talented yonno- fi-iepd Reuben H. 
Bates. "'"'AS marr'ed to Miss PerT^elin A. Ve'^t^rs. T^e ceremony 
was nerformed by Rev. J. C. Smith at Jud^e Venters' home 
near town. 

THpre was a sale in town last T'^esdav and some of the bo-"^s 
imb"be'1 too mvch re'^-e'"^e and on the way hnrne Cah'in Co^'er 
an'i B"c''': PonaHson became im^oh^ed in a diffi'^'-lt'"^ whirV> c"l- 
mmated i^^ Do^'al'^son's r'rawin'^ p six-shooter a^d firm"- pt Tourer. 
Co^-er ran his horse and escaped thro'i""h t^e woods. b"t fell from 
his hoi'se abont two hnndred yards from t^e s<^ene of the shoot- 
in'i-. He was shot throurh and throup-h the bowels, the ballet 
entevin'^ near the backbone. He was bro^'^ht to town and died 
that ni"-ht. He leaves a wife and four children. 

Donaldson was arrested and brou'^ht before Judge Daugher- 
ty and after an investio-ation in which F. E. Finer was prosecutor 
and J. A. Carroll defen^^ant he was bound over to the District 
court in the sum of $4,000. 

Such is the eff"ect of the grocers' poison. It fills our prisons 
with wretches, slavs our citizens and leaves hundreds of crying 
orphans to mourn its awful work. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 377 

Denton, Texas, September 19, 1868. 

Our new county court is composed of the following gentle- 
men: Matt Daup-herty, presiding judge; F. E. Finer, county at- 
torney ; J: M. McNiel, county clerk ; C. A. Williams, sheriff. 

Justices of the Peace. Precinct No. 1: S. A. Venters, on the 
first Monday, T. W. Daugherty on the second Monday; Precinct 
No. 2 : B. V. Snuffer on the first Tuesday after the first Monday, 
William M. Quick on the first Tuesday after the third Monday; 
Precinct No. 3: James Johnson on the first Wednesdav after 
the first Monday ; Precinct No. 4 : J. L; Sparks on the first Thurs- 
day after the first Monday, William Furneaux on the first Thurs- 
day after the third Mondav ; Precinct No. 5 : J. M. McCombs on 
the first Friday after the first Monday, I. P. Sublett on the first 
Friday after the third Monday : Precinct No. 6 : A. Robinson on 
the first Saturday after the first Monday. R. W. Allen on the 
first Sat'^rday after the third Monday; Precinct No. 7: no 
officer's; P^-ec^'nct No. 8: G. A. Grissom on the second Tuesday 
after the first Monday. 

The County Commissioners are Morgan Caudle, J, D. Haw- 
kins. Wilh'am T. Clark, A. Y. Bone. 

Hu"-h McKenzie, county treasurer. 

J. R. McCormi'ck. assessor and collector. 

Llewellen Murphy, surveyor. 

The follow'^"" are cons^^bles: Precinct No. 1. J. D. Atk^^- 
so^: No. 2. A. C. Warren: No. 4, V. A. S. Dudley; No. 5, B. B. 
Guthr^'e; No. 7. J. D. Mitchell. 

Proff^^^or "R'^ll's school opened with a full attendance. He 
had over 60 pupils. 

I o-ot t>ie h"st of o^ficp>-« frorn the newspaper published here 
by Mr. C. W. Geers late of Kentiickv. 

To show ^ron that we '"om"' to the fror>t as a city. I find that 
Mr. R. M. Collins is advert^'sin"- that he is back from market and 
now has drv n^oods, rrocer^'es. hats boots, shoes, clothm"-. m^'sses' 
and ladies' hats, m^'sses' and children's shoes, balmorals, lace 
anklets con'^ress gaiters. 

T. W. Da""'herty sa'^^s he keeps dry goods and groceries and 
a fine stock of liquors and wines. 

S"<vpet potatoes are beginning to come in and are bringing 
from fiftv to se^^entv-five cents a bushel. 

I look for your letters every week and when they fail to 
come I miss them. 

Write regularly to your friend. 



378 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 




ZKRKIL JACKSON HARMONSON 
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, 
March 3, 1822. Moved with his 
parents to Piatt County, Missouri, 
and then to Texas, and settled near 
Lewisville in 1845. He assisted in 
the organization of Denton County in 
1846. He and his family with others 
were organized into a Methodist 
Church in 1845 by Rev. J. E. Fergu- 
son. He moved later from Holford 
Prairie and settled near Roanoke on 
Denton Creek. A much venerated 
pioneer citizen — one who helped to 
rub out the moccasin tracks and to 
substitute religion for the Indian 
war dance. He died December 2, 1891- 



W. P. (Perry) HARMONSON 

Born in Piatt County, Missouri, 
May 23, 1836. Moved with his pai'ents 
to Texas in 1845 and in that year 
joined the Methodist Church. He 
maiTied and settled on Denton Creek 
near Justin and entered the stock 
business. He was one of our fore- 
most stock raisers. He chased the 
Indian and buffalo out and substi- 
tuted cattle and made a useful citi- 
zen for sixty-two years. He died 
August 10, 1907. 



Denton, Texas, October 10, 1868. 

We all had a scare thrown into us last Monday night by a 

runner coming into the square with only breath enough left to 

gasp: "Indians." He began to bleed at the nose and mouth. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 379 

In fact he was almost dead. His story was that the Indians were 
at Mr. Erwin's, on Elm, a few miles east of town, and were scalp- 
ing- women and children by dozens. Several citizens were brought 
to town by the report only to find that the messenger nor any- 
body else had seen any Indians at all. 

Thomas Donaldson and Miss Mary Ann Tannehill of Tar- 
rant County were married by Squire I. P. Sublett, September 24. 

On September 27 Mr. C. W. Kelsey and Miss Annie Barkwell, 
daughter of Dr. J. T. Barkwell of Elizabethtown were married 
by Rev. Mat Holford. 

It was reported a few days ago that a large body of Indians 
were seen near the mouth of Oliver's Creek last week. I also 
heard that the same bunch was seen going north near Decatur 
with a large bunch of horses. 

A large wagon train passed through here yesterday from 
Bryan bound for Gainesville with goods for the merchants there. 

You remember Billy Egan, the one the boys call "Old Dad" ; 
well he got married last Sunday to Miss Mollie Taylor. Brother 
J. C. Smith married them. 

One of Doctor Bailey's children, a small one about two years 
old, ran off from home the other day and was found by some 
people coming- to town. The kid was marching along toward Red 
River and said that he was hunting his pa. 

Denton, Texas, November 7, 1868. 

I have quieted down a little since the Indian raid. * * * 

A loyal nigger who was serving on a jury down below was 
asked if he knew what an oath was. He replied : "Yas, sah ; yas 
sah. It am a Dimmycrat a cussin' God A'mity." 

Since school has started goosequills are at a premium and 
I was lucky enough to shoot a wild one the other day and the 
feathers were all pulled out of his wings before I could get him 
home — wanted them for pens. 

Eads, Baines & Co. are doing a nice business but say that 
Indians are hard on trade. I guess they are right. Indians are 
hard on lots of things besides trade. They are hard on the 
nerves of a fellow from Arkansas. 

Denton, Texas, December 27, 1868. 

I have been out hunting several times and had good luck. 

Killing several deer and turkeys and kept my share of the meat 

at the camp while we looked for Indians. I am now back at home 

^nd taking it easy for a few days. 



380 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

You must be interested in this country, judging by the way 
you insist that I tell you all that happens. Tf you will give me 
her name, T will keep track of all that concei-ns her and thus save 
writing so much that you are not interested in. I am sure that it 
is some fair damsel that causes you to be so insistent and not 
any interest in what is going on generally. 

W. A. Evans, a lawyer of Bonham. was here last week. 

Rev. William Bates, circuit rider, preached an able sermon 
at the Masonic Hall today. Rev. J. C. Smith announced that he 
would occupy every fifth Sunday during the year. 

Captain Mosby of Gainesville killed Thomas Cloud on Novem- 
ber 26. You knew Mosby. Captain Mosby is under $5,000 bond. 

I was over at Gainesville and met Di-. J. B. Stone. Dr. M. A. 
Elliott. Capt. E. T. Morris, Chas. Benners, J. C. Magee. Josh Gor- 
man, E. C. Perry, J. B. and R. H. Puryear, J. M. Redmon and 
several others, many of whom you remember. Gainesville is a 
nice little town and has about three hundred inhabitants. 

Professor Bell has completed his new residence about a mile 
from town. It has a neat sandstone chimney built from stone 
quarried near the building. 

S. B. Bowden was in town the other dav and told me that 
Justice I. P. Sublett was thrown from his horse while coming 
home from Fort Worth c»nd badlv bruised up. Some dogs fight- 
ing caused the horse to throw him. 

A hunting partv came in Friday loaded with prairie hens. 
F. E. Piner tdone had enono-h for four or five families. 

Thomas Fry heard that cougar again one night last week and 
he savs that the uproar among his stock was something awful. 
He got up and took his shotp"un. which he had loaded for couf^ar 
and went out to see if he could find the cat. He found him prowl- 
ing near his barn and proceeded to let him have both barrels 
in the shoulder. The cougar roared like a veritable lion and 
made a snrin"- toward Fry, but was too badlv hit to make it. and 
sank on his side on the ground. Mr. Frv took his sixshooter and 
slipped up to take a look at the animal and found that he was 
not dead, but was just pos.suming. so he would not shoot a^-ain, 
but saved his shots in case he should need them. The congar got 
up and crawled away into the woods. Fiy said that it looked so 
big and so dan^^-erous that he was willing to let it alone. This 
coup-ar has nrobablv devoured a hundred calves and colts in this 
vicinity. He killed eight dogs for Alexander Brown in a single 
night. ^ 

Major J. A. Carroll told me the other day that his brother, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 381 



Thomas M. Carroll, was elected to the state senate in Missouri, 
defeating his brother, E. B. Carroll. Thomas is a Democrat and 
E. B. is a Radical, while W. H., another brother, is a Radical. 
As you know, the Major is a first-class old Democrat. 

Pork is bringing four cents a pound in Denton now and the 
supply is plentiful. 

I met William Claytor of Lewisville the other day and he 
had three of his fingers torn ofi; in a cotton gin. He told me of 
quite a bunch of accidents in that community lately. Joe Saun- 
ders hit George Craft in the head with a grubbing hoe, cutting a 
beautiful gash over his left eye — it was about two inches long. 

Jack Foster of Long Prairie lost a twelve-year-old boy who 
was thrown from a horse. He was instantly killed. 

A young man named Gregory accidentally killed himself 
with a sixshooter while shooting hogs. He lived over near 
Denton Creek. 

A man named Edwards was killed by a chunk of wood falling 
on him while he was in a well. 

Five men dressed in Yankee clothes, with bows and arrows, 
charged on a little son of a family named Johns, shooting at him 
with their arrows. The arrows went over him, but the boy, 
thinking they were Indians, ran until he was exhausted, and lay 
out in the weeds all night. The next morning his parents found 
him completely deranged. He is still in that deplorable condition. 
I heard that there was some hope that the child's reason would 
be restored. I understand that it was a joke, but I would not 
write what I think of any set of men that would play such a joke. 
They ought to be made to pay the most severe penalty for such 
actions. ;~^" 

Mr. Allen of Elizabethtown was up a few days ago and 
reported that Chas. Sutton was thought to be mortally wounded 
by being struck on the head with a fence stake in the hands of 
M, Black. It was "white mule" and not politics. 

You remember Doctor Kearby and family? Of course, you 
do. Well, I met the Doctor's son, Jerome Kearby, a few days 
ago. He was visiting his father after having been engaged in 
teaching school at Pekin, Kentucky. He told me that he was go- 
ing to locate at Kaufman and practice law. He is a bright young 
fellow and will do well in his profession. 

Thomas Poindexter pulled a rattlesnake six feet long out 
from under a log the other day and killed it. It had fifteen rattles 
and was, I believe, the biggest rattlesnake I ever saw. 

Day before Christmas Dr. R. A. McKennon and Miss Sarah 



382 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

L. Carter were married. Of course Rev. J. C. Smith married 
them. That old man does more marrying than all the rest of the 
preachers and justices in Denton County put together. 

Well I hope you had a INIerry Christmas and that the New 
Year will be a happy one. 

Denton, Texas, January 10, 1869. 

Well, things are getting in shape for business this year. 

The total tax of this county amounted to $17,000, quite a 
little sum. 

You remember Elder Terrell Jasper, the Christian preacher, 
who lives down south of town. Well, he was in town the other 
day and told me a pretty good story. A couple met him and 
wanted him to marry them and they having the necessary papers 
he started with them to a neighbor's house, but as they were 
going along they concluded that it was too far to that house, so 
they had him stop and mairy them right out on the prairie. 

I went to church at the IMasonic Hall last Sunday night and 
heard one of the most eloquent and effective sermons I ever 
listened to. Rev. W. E. Bates preached and his subject was, 
"Death and the Future State." He is a wonderfully effective 
preacher and had tears rolling from the eyes of most of his 
congregation most of the time while he was preaching. 

At a regular meeting of Denton Lodge No. 82, I. 0. 0, F., 
held last Saturday evening, the following officers were installed 
for the ensuing term. Noble Grand, C. W. Geers; Vice Grand, 
F. E. Finer; R. S. Ross, R. S. ; Otis G. Welch, P. S.; R. M. Collins, 
Tr.; H. M. Hare, C. ; W. H. Mounts, W.; W. H. Taylor, I. G.; 
S. A. Venters, 0. G. ; J. M. Blount, R. S. N. G.; G. E. Chester, 
L. S. N. G. ; Robert H. Hopkins, R. S. V. G. ; H. L. Gilbert, L. S. 
V. G. ; C. A. Williams, R. S. S. ; J. A. Carroll, L. S. S. ; Amos Myers, 
Sitting P. G. Otis Welch, G. W.- elect, was chosen to represent 
this lodge at the grand lodge which meets in Galveston. 

We had a gi'eat time at the lodge and you ought to have 
been here. 

It has been as cold as blue blazes part of the time, but is 
rather pleasant today and the boys are fixing to go out on the 
prairie hunting tomorrow if it is still pleasant. You cannot tell 
what the weather will be. 

Denton, Texas, January 24, 1869. 

This is Sunday again and I am going out to church, but will 

write you first. Sunday before last I heard Rev. Matthew Donald 

preach. You remember that he is the Presbyterian preacher for 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 383 

this place. Elder Terrell Jasper has concluded to labor in other 
fields and his date is now awaiting another occupant. Rev. Smith 
preaches for the Methodists. 

Professor Starke of Pilot Point was in town the other day 
and told me that he had been all over North Texas and that Den- 
ton County was in the best shape and had the best prospects of 
any county he had been in. 

We had a wedding on the 7th of this month when Miss Julia 
Gober and Mr. W. C. Wright were married. Elder William Bates 
married them. 

R. E. Claytor is the official agent for the sale of Hon. Alex- 
ander Stevens' "Official History of the War." I am going to buy 
a copy when I see him and then I can read it as well as you. 

J. M. McNeil, our county clerk, has been over across Elm 
visiting and reports that the people are building a town over there 
so that they will stand a chance at the county seat. They have 
built a Masonic Hall and a church close to where the old church 
on Cottonwood stood. He says they have built several residences 
and that the best land is worth not less than ten dollars per acre. 
Land is getting too high in this country — it will have to get 
cheaper. 

I saw from a copy of the Vidette, a paper published in Pilot 
Point, that some toughs smashed the windows of the postoffice, 
a law office and a shoe shop. 

Rev. Lee Newton was married last Sunday to Miss Susan 
G. Battle of Lewisville. 

Elder W. W. Mitchell will preach at the Masonic Hall today 
and I am going out to hear him, so I guess I had better close. 

Denton, Texas, February 28, 1869. 

Lots of new comers, as the boys call them, have 'arrived in 
Denton County and they all seem well pleased with their new 
home. I talked to a man named J. M. Clark, from Mississippi, 
who says he is going to write to his neighbors and tell them that 
this is a much better country than the one he left. 

Rev. Mr. Loving will preach here today. I have not heard 
him, but expect to have that pleasure when the time of day 
arrives. 

A bunch of Ku-Klux have been working on Grapevine Prairie 
and the better class of citizens seem much pleased with the re- 
sults, but the negroes and some white folks are not so well sat- 
isfied with what has happened. 

G. M. Etter and Miss Ellen Lenet were married on the 
eighteenth. 



384 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

Denton, Texas, March 14, 1869. 

Well, spring is beginning to show signs of its approach and 
the farmers are getting ready to plant corn and the fishermen 
are hunting up their tackle. 

Well, we are here and the world is moving and we must per- 
force move with it. The soldiers at Jacksboro have a newspaper 
and 1 had the good luck to see a copy the other day. It is a very 
small sheet, but very loud in its tone. It is called The Flea. 

Captain K. H. Hopkins told me that Bud Cannon, who has 
just returned from Custer s camp, saw aDout fifty head of horses 
that ne knew had been stolen by the Indians from citizeiis in this 
county. 

Jr'rofessor Bell's fine mare is gone. It was a good animal. 

We have had no mail this weeK on account of high water. 
We are getting used to niissmg our weekly mail, but this time 
at least it is not the fault of the mail carrier, for 1 heard Mr. 
Liewis try say that Elm is two miles wide, but is falling fast 
now, so we expect to be able to get out soon. 

Mr. Stroud has finished his store house on the North Side. 

Mr. Bull has built a residence m the west part of town and 
S. YaruS has built a residence near the public well. 

1 saw a man from Gainesville who told that the Reserve 
Indians had recently captured a train of wagons from Grayson 
County and murdered all the drivers and then drove the outfit 
right into the post. The Indians are supposed to have said that 
they did not fear the negro guard. 

Lewis bry has opened up the Denton Hotel and is now offer- 
ing accommodation to the homeless public. 

Denton, Texas, April 17, 1869. 

Well, it has been some time since I wTote you and everything 
has been moving along very quietly. 

The sheriff of Grayson County, with a posse, came here a 
few days ago and arrested a man named Munn on a charge of 
horse theft. It seems that he is charged with stealing a horse 
from a Mr. Savage of Grayson County. He is the tenth man ar- 
rested here on the charge of stealing horses since the first of 
March. 

Eads & Reynolds have located at Elizabethtown with their 
store. 

We had a temperance speaking at the Masonic Hall week 
before last and Rev. J. C. Smith, Professor Bell, Professor Dixon, 
Colonel Harry Mounts, and Major Hiram McMurray delivered 
addresses advocating abstaining from alcoholic drinks. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 385 



Billy Mounts and Bob Collins are both in the East at market. 

Doctor Ross has connected with wires the skeleton of the 
Indian killed near this town some time ago. 

Mr. C. A. Williams and Miss Jennie Greenlee were married 
April 4 at the residence of the bride's parents, Rev. J. C. Smith 
officiating. 

I hear some reports of grasshoppers about the size of mus- 
tard seed in some of the gardens. 

Doctor Gotcher has decided to locate here. He prospected 
around over the county and finally located here. You do not 
know him, as he came in here since you left. 

Mr. Lewis Fry, our new sheriff, who was appointed in the 
place of Mr. Gray, came in from McKinney last Thursday with 
three prisoners — a negro named Crawford, who is charged with 
rape, and two white men named Pitts and Goodwin, who are 
charged with stealing horses. They will be tried before Judge 
Hart at this term of the court. Pitts and Goodwin were ironed 
together. The sheriff says that shortly after he left McKinney 
he was told that ten or twelve men were waiting for him on Little 
Elm, so he "cut through" and came in through the country. He 
had twelve men along as guards. 

Everything looks prosperous and this country is coming. 
There is more land being broke out every year and the farmers 
are doing well. 

By the way, I almost forgot to tell you one of the most im- 
portant items of news that has happened — James Blount and 
Miss Jessamine Kearby are married. They got married April 
1st. Rev. W. W. Mitchell performed the ceremony at the resi- 
dence of Dr. E. P. Kearby. 

Denton, Texas, April 25, 1869. 

It is Sunday again and I am lazy with nothing to do so I will 
write you just a line or two to let you know I am still here. 

There is not much doing in the way of exciting happenings, 
so I will have to tell you small items of news. 

Smith, Blount & Hughes are preparing to build an awning 
in front of their place of business. Some place for the boys to 
shade while they whittle and chew and swap yarns. 

J. L. Lovejoy, Harry Mounts and Rev. J. C. Smith delivered 
temperance speeches at the Masonic Hall again Thursday night. 

Our sheriff, Mr. Lewis Fry, left about ten o'clock last Tues- 
day night for McKinney with five prisoners. He had in irons 
Pitts, Goodwin and Keek, who are enroute to the penitentiary. 
I suppose he thought it required a heavy guard, for he had a 



.'^86 HISTORY OK DENTON COUNTY 

wagon and a body of mounted men and it looked like a caravan 
as it moved away in the darkness. 

Denton, Texas, August 29, 1869. 

Your letter received and I was very glad to know that you 
are all well except your father is chilling. Well, that is nice 
pastime. 

A young man was the raiser of quite a disturbance in our 
city the first Saturday in the month. He wanted to get license 
to marry and could not get his daddy's consent nor the consent 
of his girl's mammy, hence the disturbance. He lives out in the 
country somewhere. 

J. M. McNeil & Company are getting in a large stock of 
goods. 

Dave Turner, the Pilot Point merchant, is bragging about 
his peaches. 

I hear that yellow fever has broken out in New Orleans on 
July 21. 

I saw the thermometer last Monday sitting in the sun that 
registered 115. 

Professor Cralton of Bonham is to preach at Pilot Point 
but would not come to Denton. Well, we will be big enough some 
day to attract able preachers. 

The following named have been recommended for appoint- 
ment to office in this county : J. B. Sawyer, Justice of the Peace, 
Precinct No. 1; Curtis B. Houston, Constable; J. R. Masters, 
J. P. Precinct No. 2; Terrel Jasper and Morgan Caudle, Justices 
of the Peace for Precinct No. 5; Mr. Baird, Constable; Andrew 
Koozer, Constable Precinct No. 3 ; J. B. Sawyer, Notary Public, 
County Commissioner and Mayor of Denton ; J. R. Masters, May- 
or of Pilot Point and A. W. Cooke, Marshal. This will give Mr. 
Sawyer four different official titles and he was induced to accept 
by his friends signing a petition. 

Thomas Jenkins, the mail carrier, tells me than on August 
20, a week ago Friday, thirty Indians rode up close to Jacksboro 
and began to gather horses. They rode through the streets 
of the town at full speed whooping, shooting and killing year- 
lings. The people were aroused from their slumbers and hasti- 
ly formed a company and rode out to meet the savages. They 
met them at the edge of the town, riding like devils incarnate. 
The whites poured a volley into their midst and several fell off 
of their horses, but one could not be found after the skirmish 
was over. The Indians fired eighteen or twenty shots, but no one 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 387 



was injured. They only secured two horses, but had it not been 
for the prompt action of the citizens, every horse in the com- 
munity would have either been killed or captured. 

Dr. D. S. Jontz is going to hold a meeting at the Masonic Hall 
on Holford Prairie. The people are expecting a big time. There 
will be a dinner on the ground. 

John F. Hicks, who lives about seven miles from town on 
Hickory Creek, got Colonel Lacy to bud some peaches for him 
a year ago and he brought to town some fine fruit from those 
trees a few days ago. 

A young man named John Wesley Baxter, whose father is 
said to be Thomas Baxter of Wellington Square, Ontario, Canada, 
died at Elizabethtown of congestion of the brain. He died a 
week ago yesterday. 

On Monday night, the twenty-third, Mrs. Celia Carroll, wife 
of J. A. Carroll, Esq., died of pulmonary consumption. She 
was born in Ozark, Missouri in 1842 and came to Texas when 
very young and was married to Major Carroll in December, 1858. 

Denton, Texas, September 18, 1869. 

The world moves but it moves slowly with us just at present 
and we are all peaceable and blessed with fair crops and plenty 
to eat and wear. 

Ku Klux or Vigilants have been working down in Dallas 
County, if the reports that I hear are correct and I suppose they 
are. On the third of this month five men and a boy were found 
hung on Hackberry Creek on Grapevine Prairie. Men named 
James, Akers, and Reco-rd, and his young brother, a boy about 
fifteen years old, were all found hanging on a pole stuck in the 
fork of a tree and then propped up with two forks like you were 
going to hang a hog. About three miles away a man named Rus- 
sell and one named Greer were found hanging to a limb. 

Professor C. C. Bell's high school is now open with a good 
attendance. 

On the twenty-fifth of August Jim Daugherty brought in 
a young man named Richard Davis who was badly wounded by 
being shot through the body near the base of the spine. He 
jumped from a wagon and his pistol caught in the cover of the 
wagon causing its discharge. 

Say, do you know it requires firmness as well as moral cour- 
age to be a Democrat in these times? It will be better for us 
in the long run to stick to it, however. 

C. B. Houston has moved his stall to the center of the public 
square. He says it is impossible to get beef to every man's door 



:?88 iiis'i'OKV OK i)K\'i'().\ corN'rv 

in time for break last in the morning, so he has opened up a 
stall and lets them come after it. We have fresh beef every 
morning except Sunday. 

Dr. Jim Blount is in charge at Hughes drug store. 

Mr, Allen of Collin County carried a bale of cotton to Mc- 
Kinney and it weighed 480 pounds. It was sold at auction to 
Z. E. Ranney and brought 171 o cents a pound. 

Judge Matt Daugherty, who started to Greenville the other 
day to attend court brought the news that Judge Hart had been 
shot, losing his right arm. The shooting occurred about seven 
and one-half miles from Bonham on the Greenville road. It is 
thought that a brother of the soldier whom Hart shot in Green- 
ville a year or so ago did the shooting. It is reported that he was 
at Bonham the evening before Hart started for Greenville. 

Material is arriving for the erection of a college in Denton. 
We are destined to have as good an institution of learning as any 
town in North Texas. Our people have the right spirit. 

I want to ask you, how do loafers get their grub? This 
town has some that "toil not, neither do they spin," and while 
they are not exactly arrayed like the lily yet they live and look 
fat and sleek. 

Prof. A. Knight has qualified as Tax Assessor and Collector 
and Rev. John Haynes as Treasurer. Both have entered into 
the discharge of the duties of their offices. 

Miss Allie Havnes is teaching music at the home of Elmore 
Allen. 

Well, Denton will soon have a daddy and that hole in the 
public square that was there when you were here will either be 
filled up or converted into a well. It is a dangerous thing the 
way it is. 

A man up at Pilot Point the other day got his fill of "bust 
head" and proceeded to beat several citizens over the head with 
his sixshooter and took a shot at the marshal of the town. He 
then got a shot in the neck that quieted him down but did not kill 
him. At times he claims he was a lieutenant in the Federal 
army and at other times to have belonged to Lee. Says he has 
run away from several places, Sulphur Springs being the last 
place. He has kept the town of Pilot Point in a state of excite- 
ment ever since he arrived. 

We had no mail from Dallas this week. Ferry boat sunk 
in Elm. 

Rev. Mr. Piner of Bonham is expected to visit our city soon. 
You remember him. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 389 



I understand that R. H. Hoffman of Fannin County and Miss 
Mollie Clark were married about two weeks ago. I do not know 
him, but do know her and he is lucky. 

Four or five wagon loads of goods belonging to Billie Mounts 
and Mr. Stephens have arrived. 

Rev. J. C. Smith officiated at the wedding of Dr. R. S. Ross 
and Miss Jane Carter on the tenth. There was a fine dinner 
served. The boys all regretted to lose the Doctor from the 
bachelor ranks, but these deserters are common and we have 
never punished one yet except by filling his seat with another 
candidate. 

Denton, Texas, October 24, 1869. 

Well, our mail is coming in better shape now and I hope that 
it will continue to come that way. The reason is that the post- 
master at Dallas has been fired and a young man by the name 
of Jones has his job. Your letter came through in less than a 
week. 

The sheriff captured a man named Dodge near Pilot Point 
the other day and placed him in jail. He w^as charged with horse 
theft, and was carried to Fort Worth. 

They are building a nice stone chimney to the church at 
Cooper Creek. 

The wife of Rev. Mr. Loving died last week. 

The new firm of Smith, Blount & Hughes are receiving their 
stock. 

Captain N. Wilson, the Pilot Point merchant, was here the 
other day. 

Alex Brown died two weeks ago last Monday. He was 
forty-seven years old and Uncle Johnny Love joy conducted the 
funeral. 

An infant son of W. H. Mounts died recently. 

I saw my first steer branded on the horn the other day. 
It is in the McConnel herd near Bolivar and the brand is "T" 
on the horn. 

We had a protracted meeting by the Presbyterians that 
closed a couple of weeks ago. The following preachers, some of 
whom you know, were engaged in the work. Some of them how- 
ever, were not members of that church : Rev. Messrs. Gregory, 
Carter, Donald, Haynes, J. C. Smith, Holford, and Lovejoy. There 
was considerable interest, but no conversions. 

Jerome C. Kearby is practicing law in Canton. 

I met A. M. Elmore of Pilot Point in town last Monday. You 
remember him. 



390 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

T, B. \\ill)ams, a merchant ol" Bonham, was here this week. 

Our friend. Wash Withers, started for Jefferson last week 
with two loads of cotton. 

Old George McCormick died since 1 wrote you last. He was 
a grand old man and there are others we could have better spared. 

Denton. Texas, November 7, 1869. 

I am writing you this in a hui-ry and want you to see our 
friend Holmes and ask him if he can pay me that money he owes 
me. It is not due for several months, but I have a chance to use 
it and if he will send it right on you may use this as your authori- 
ty to deduct the last six months interest. Please attend to this 
at once and write me as soon as you learn whether or not he will 
be able to pay it now. 

How is the cotton market in that country? 1 understood 
that it was 16 cents in Jeffei'son week before last. 

Rev. M. Holford of Elizabethtown is dead. The old settlers 
are passing away. 

Dave Teague is still furnishing us with beef three times a 
week. He has a stall on the public square. 

B. E. Greenlee, Lewis M. Fry and Austin Poppina have been 
appointed registrars for Denton County. 

Jesse Chinn >v'as married on the twenty-eighth of last month 
to Miss Angle Baird. They were married at the home of the 
father of the bride in Breckenridge, Dallas County, by Rev. G. L. 
Blewett. 

Denton, Texas, January 9, 1870. 

Anderson Lewis told me the other day that Indians attacked 
the stage Wednesday before Christmas and the driver shot 
away all the loads in his sixshooter and then escaped without 
any one being hurt. 

George McCormick and Miss Annie Reed were married at 
R. M. Collin's residence on December 23. Judge John E. Martin 
officiated. There was a fine supper set for the guests and yours 
truly made a hand. 

Mrs. J.' D. Jones died about the middle of December from 
the effects of the burns I wrote you about, 

A seventeen-year-old negro named Charley Reed was dis- 
covered in J. M. McNeil & Co.'s store about six o'clock on Thurs- 
day night of Christmas week. Jim Smith happened to go to the 
store and opened the door and found the negro with his arms 
full of Christmas goods and filling his paunch full of candy and 
sugar. Jim said he was really afraid that the negro was going 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 391 



to make himself too sick to enjoy his Christmas dinner so he 
called Bob Murphy and they arrested the boy. 

A new-comer named Goldston who lived on Clear Creek was 
called to his door one night last week and killed with a double- 
barrelled shotgun in the hands of a man named Sawyer. It is 
said that Goldston offended Sawyer by saying that "There was a 
number of cow and hog thieves in his neighborhood." Sawyer is 
still at large. 

Doctor Hughes had the misfortune to lose the kitchen to his 
dwelling last week by fire. It was a total loss with all its con- 
tents. The Doctor thinks it was set fire. 

Doctor Blount, who has just returned from Canton, reports 
everything flourishing in the Free State of Van Zandt. 

On December 19, Miss Sue Owen of Denton was married 
to J. C. Williams of Grayson County. On December 27 Zachary 
Taylor of Wise County and Miss Mary S. Lawler of Denton were 
married. 

Denton, Texas February 19, 1870. 

Our mail is getting better and I received your letter in 
quicker time than I have ever received one yet — five days. 

Do you know that Uncle Johnny Love joy is doing a great 
work in this country? The old man is traveling and preaching 
and doing lots of good. 

The Dallas Herald, on which we depend for lots of our news, 
has changed its publication day from Saturday to Thursday and 
the mail leaves there Wednesday and we now miss the Herald 
until the next week. 

The police court has ordered that lots numbers 1 and 6 in 
the town of Denton be set aside for church purposes and the 
first church that builds a house worth $2,000 gets choice of 
the lots. 

H. Loomis is running a stage line from Gainesville through 
Denton. It is thought that it will be permanent. 

Professor Bell's high school is flourishing. 

The Presbyterians are making a strong effort to raise money 
to build a church. 

Jake Cooke died last week very suddenly from congestion of 
the brain. 

John Price died Monday a week ago from strangulation, 
caused by a cold. 

John Harris, your old acquaintance, has bought the interest 
of his partner, T. C. Douglas, and will hereafter conduct the 
drug business at Lewisville by himself. 



392 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

Last Monday the cook at the Murphy House wrecked the 
triang-le which called us to eat. and now we have to g:uess when 
it is time to feed. 

J. C. Smith came back from Galveston where he has been 
buying' ^roods. Our merchants are buyinp: more and more in 
Galveston. 

The mail carrier infoi'med me that on Thursday of last 
week Indians appeared in the vicinty of Decatur and drove off 
fifty horses in broad daylight. Nobody interfered with them. 
I hear that every Indian has left the reservation and the com- 
mander on Cache Creek does not know where any of them ai'e. 
Nice lot of soldiei's we have to look after our lives and property. 

Gum Wright is fixing to put in a bowling alley. 

Lewis Fry is putting up a livery stable. 

William Chisholm was married to j\Iiss Laura Graham on the 
eighth. Rev. Rogers officiated. 

Robert Newman, who lives up on Oliver Creek, in Wise 
County, was here the other day and says that the Indians were 
near Decatur ac'ain last Saturday, a week ago. They stole twelve 
horses from Ed Blythe. They got these at night, however. 

We all hated to see Dr. Jim Blount leave us. He went to 
Canton, in Van Zandt County, where he will practice medicine 
and enter the drug business. 

Last Thursday Clay Hannon and Miss Frances Bowman 
were married. 

Denton, Texas, March 6. 1870. 

Major Joe Carroll is just recovei'ing from a severe illness. 

There is no excuse for any one being idle in Denton now. 
The Cranston pottery is hunting laborers and is ottering $20.00 
a month and board. The money is to be specie, so you see that 
any man who wants to can work at good wages. The pottery is 
running full time and needing more men. I went over to Dallas 
the other day and the Crutchfield House is now called the City 
Hotel. The meals are just the same, though. 

Jim Sipes and a fellow from California had a set-to in Pilot 
Point last Sunday and Sipes was badly cut up while the Cali- 
fornian was beaten over the head with a bust-head bottle. 

1 met J. C. Parr this morning and he tells me that Guthrie 
Presbytery meets with the New Hope congregation about nine 
miles southeast of Pilot Point. The meeting will be in April. 

Col. Chas. Geers, our newspaper man, got into an argument 
v;ith a man the other day and said, "Ugh, a democrat on the 
fence looks like a woman astiide a horse." 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 393 



Well, our postoffice is being conducted in a more systematic 
manner than ever before. 

All the children are enjoying the measles and some of the 
older heads are suffering from the same malady. I am looking 
to be one, as I never recollect having had them. 

Rev. Billy Bates brought in a lot of sour kraut and left 
it at Daugherty's store for sale and we are all eating kraut now. 
It brings back old times at home. 

H. Loomis, who carries the mail from Dallas to Gainesville, 
was married to Miss Ann Fletcher on Dry Fork on the first 
of February. 

Denton, Texas, May 1, 1870. 

I will start for home next week and will bring some horses — 
about thirty head — with me. If nothing happens I will leave here 
next Wednesday or Thursday and will get my horses together 
at Pilot Point and drive from there. I suppose I ought to make 
it in about two weeks or maybe less time. Have some pasture 
ready and buy me some feed. 

Well, as this is the last letter that I will write you from 
here, I will try and tell you all I know so that we will have that 
much more to talk about when we meet. 

Uncle Johnny Love joy invited me to go with him over to 
Dabney's, on Denton Creek, where he will preach next Sunday. 
Instead, I told my old friend good-bye. 

Rev. Mr. Kelly of the Baptist church preached a good sermon 
at the Masonic Hall last Sunday. 

Some weeks ago thieves stole a hundred and fifty govern- 
ment mules from the reservation at Fort Sill. They were cap- 
tured on Pecan Creek, in Wise County, and still had about seven- 
ty-five of the mules, besides several horses that they had stolen 
from the citizens. It was a good thing for them that they were 
captured by soldiers instead of citizens. 

I understand that currency is bringing 90 cents at Waco. 

I see a letter in the Dallas Herald from Tom L. Stanfield of 
Decatur in which he says that the Indians have not troubled 
the people of Wise County for several months. 

Dogs got into the smokehouse of Captain Withers and car- 
ried off fifteen hams and shoulders. 

The pottery is running all the time and a brick kiln .would 
pay better than anything we could have put up here. Some day 
there will be one, but there is no one here now that knows how 
to run one that is interested. 

Professor Bell's school will close about the twentieth of June. 



3y4 HISTORY OF DEXTOX COUNTY 

Lots of vegetables are in the countiy now . I saw some very 
fine strawberries the other day. 

The farmers are planting more cotton this year than ever 
before. The railroads are so close now that they can haul it to 
market and get good prices for it. 

Our Representative, A. G. Warren, did not go back to Austin. 
He went by McKinney and there saw the Secretary of State's 
ruling on the oath of office and as he had held a small office about 
twenty-five years ago, he could not serve until his disabilities are 
removed. He returned to Pilot Point and has petitioned Congress 
by telepraph to have his disabilities removed. It is a shame that 
a good man like that should have to sit back and wait while lots 
of no-account loafers serve as officers just because his neighbors 
elected him to a small office twenty-five years before the war. 

W. W. Mitchell preached at the Masonic Hall week before 
last and Rev. J. C. Smith preached the best sermon I ever heard 
him preach. It will also be the last one, I am afraid. 

A negro school has been established near McKinney and is 
presided over by a big, black negro man who ten years ago would 
have brought $1,500. 

I hear that Josiah Battle, son of Colonel Battle, is very 
sick at Ladonia, in Fannin County. 

I had the pleasure of meetmg Dr. Cuvier Lipscomb of Tar- 
rant County. I think he is figuring on locating here. 

Well, I will close this and will talk to you of all the thinnfs 
that have happened since you left here when I see you. Tell 
Miss Mary that I am coming back and that I am still sin"-le. 
— Denton Record-Chronicle, 1915-1916. 



HORSE STEALING 

By C. W. GEERg 

Perhaps at no other period in the history of Denton County 
has there been so much horse stealing as during the past few 
^veeks and at the present time. 

It is said the county is infested by a band of about twenty 
thieves. 

On last Friday night, two weeks ago, not less than twelve 
horses were stolen within a radius of ten miles of Denton. 

Robert Carruth lost his fine stallion, worth four hundred 
dollars, and four other head of horses, which were very valuable. 

Ben Key lost a horse, stolen, Wednesday night, as also did 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY ' 395 



Frank Jackson. Capt. 0. M. Pike had a horse stolen, about that 
time. . George Short suffered to the amount of two fine horses. 

The officers of the law were notified of these thefts, but too 
late to capture the thieves. They got on the trail of Carruth's 
stallion, however, and followed it until one horse thief, F. P. 
Roberts, was captured by Thos. Fletcher, Bob Carruth and Vass 
Willis. He was the man who stole the stallion. At least he ac- 
knowledged that he knew where the stallion was, and told the 
owner where he could find him. Mr. Carruth went as directed 
and found the stallion. 

Roberts was taken in custody by these parties. They came 
to Hickory Creek; but a very heavy rain had fallen, and the 
creek was so swollen that they could not cross. All parties then 
returned to the residence of the Widow Payne, near Pilot Knob. 
Roberts, the thief, was placed in the southwest room, near the 
southeast window. On Tuesday morning, about twenty minutes 
after five o'clock, a man living at Mrs. Payne's, by the name of 
Tam, entered this room and said he had lost his knife; where- 
upon, Roberts said he had found it. He then got up from his 
chair, drew the knife from his pocket, and threw it upon the 
sofa. There were in the room John Evans and Mr. Anderson, 
guards. As Tam stooped to get the knife, the thief, Roberts, 
placed a pillow over his own head, and plunged through the 
window, carrying the lower part of the window with him. He 
fell fiat of his back upon the porch, having turned a complete 
somersault. The guards fired upon him as he lay upon the porch, 
but without effect. He then got up and ran off. At daylight he 
was trailed around the Knob to a ravine, but about four hundred 
yards from the house, though he had traveled a distance of about 
three miles. He then went in a southerly direction and was 
headed off that evening on Denton Creek, near Jim Lawler's and 
Charley Rivers' places. Some parties surrounded him and asked 
him why he was so near naked. He said he had got into a shoot- 
ing scrape in Denton and had to run out of it. They then re- 
leased him and he went on his way rejoicing. — Denton Monitor, 
February 16, 1877. 



GREAT FLOOD OF 1866 

By Jim Williams 

Among the old-time happenings which are recalled by many 
citizens who have been in Denton over a quarter of a century is 
the biggest rain ever known in North Texas. This rain fell 



396 • HISTOHV OF DENTON COUNTY 

twenty-eight years ago last Tluirsday. The weather had been 
beautiful and clear, but late in the morning of that eventful day 
the sky became overcast with great, black clouds, and in a short 
time the i-ain came down in such torrents as to produce in a few 
hours the greatest flood known in the history of Texas. The 
creeks and streams were all out of their banks, and part of Den- 
ton was put under water. From ten o'clock in the morning it 
rained an incessant downpour for about six hours. The various 
forks of the Trinity River crowded water into that famous 
stream until its banks were lost to sight. From Long's Lake 
on into Dallas the country was from five to twelve feet deep in 
water, and the damage done was enormous. 

The saddest featui'e of this the gi'eatest flood of Texas was 
the drowning of Billy Bain. He was attempting to cross at the 
Decatur crossing, on Dry Hickory Creek. He left his horse in 
midstream and attempted, supposedly, to swim ashore, but was 
swept undei' the angry cui-rent and drowned. His body was 
recovered a few miles down the creek. The horse reached dry 
ground in safety, but riderless. 

This great flood is still referred to in Denton as one of the 
most interesting of old-time reminiscences, but there are many 
citizens who remember many of minutest particulars. 

— Denton Chronicle, May 12, 1894. 



SANGUINARY ENGAGEMENTS WITH THE INDIANS 
By a. L. Laxe:, Sk., Wichita Falls, Tkxas 

During the four years of the Civil War my father, R. L, 
Lane, was captain of Company C in Joe Shelby's command in the 
Confederate aim v. and shared the fortunes and misfortunes of 
Shelby's Brigade." 

At the close of the war father mounted a government mule 
and returned to his home in Lawrence County, Arkansas. What 
did he find there? He found, of course, the negroes all freed, 
and he also found that his stock was all gone and his farm 
destroyed. 

Selling the remnants of his effects, in the spring of 1867 
father and his family, in company with E. Hudson, B. W. Hudson, 
and Hugh Garside and their families, headed for Denton County, 
Texas. We crossed Red River at Colbert's Ferry, and our teams 
gave out. We wrote ahead to friends and relatives in Pai'ker 
County, who met us with fresh teams at Pilot Point. 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 397 



In July, 1867, we passed through Denton town, en route to 
Springtown, Parker County, by way of Rhome. The river was 
up, and we had much trouble in crossing West Fork on a raft. 
After considerable difficulty we succeeded in crossing. Camp 
was pitched after we had gone three miles farther. 

Expecting trouble with the Indians, we guarded our horses 
that night. It is hardly necessary to say that we slept but little 
on that particular night. 

At the break of day on July 15, 1867, about one hundred 
Comanche Indians swooped down upon us. They were shooting 
and yelling like demons — which they were. Our camp had been 
pitched at the Matthews home in Wise County, four miles west of 
Springtown, and there were quite a number of men, women, and 
children present. For a short while the camp was a scene of veri- 
table war and intense excitement. Being greatly outnumbered by 
our red foes, our people had no show so far as fighting was con- 
cerned. Sonney Thomas and Andy and James Elkins had en- 
countered the Indians, and had fled to the Blackwell house and 
then to the Matthews house. In this raid my kinsmen, J. H. 
Matthews and Polk Matthews, were wounded. All of our horses 
and mules were driven off, and we were left without teams 
and money. 

After the Indians had passed the house, a large number of 
them turned back. We thought that our time had surely come, 
but the raiders halted and went into a sorghum cane patch to get 
cane to eat, after which they continued their journey northward. 

At an earlier date — some time in 1866 — the Indians killed 
Mrs. Babb at her home, and carried away all of her children. Mr. 
Babb was bsent at the time. The captives were recovered by 
friends four years later. One of the children, Dot Babb, married 
J. D. Bell after she had grown to womanhood, and now resides in 
Denton. Jim Saunders was also shot and killed by the Indians 
in 1866. 

After the Indian storm was over and the wounded had re- 
covered, we secured some ox teams. Ten wagon-loads of Lanes, 
Matthews, and Hudsons then moved back to Argyle, in Denton 
County. After our experience with the Indians, we were sure 
that place was as far west as we cared to go. 

Reconstruction was in full blast. Behind us were regis- 
tration and the despised amnesty oath; in front of us were the 
murderous Indians. So we had our choice, neither of which was 
especially attractive. Although not reconciled to being in close 
proximity to the Indian tribes and their inhospitable manners, 



398 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

we decided to abide with the {rood people of Denton County. And 
we never ref^retted that decision. 

In the spring: of 1871 Beiryman PaiT. Lee Dyke, Dolf Prich- 
ard, and I made a freij^htinj^ trip with ox teams to Jefferson. 
We carried cotton, and loaded back with Government supplies foi' 
Fort Richardson, situated near Jacksboro. As we neared Jacks- 
boro we passed Mr. Warren, in charge of a large mule train laden 
with Hour for Fort Griffin. He was going in the direction of 
Graham, in Young County. But when Warren's train reached 
Salt Creek Prairie or Young Cour.ty Prairie, nine miles east of 
Graham, it was ambushed by about one hundred and sixty Kiowa 
Indians led by their chiefs, Santana, Santauk. and Big Tree. All 
the teamsters except two were murdeied, the wagons were 
burned, and the mules were driven to Fort Sill. We were at 
Jacksboro, about twenty-five miles away, where we delivered our 
commissaries to the negro garrison. Returning to Denton Coun- 
ty, we felt that v.-e had our fill of the Indian and his murderous 
mode of warfare. 

After the lapse of many years I can review without a thrill 
the experiences through which I passed in the rough days of 
Denton County a.id in other parts of the State ; but during those 
experiences I and my friends regarded them with anything but 
placidity. 



THE ROLL RHYME 

Kv E. B. Keytk 

[Written for his pupils of the Denton High School about 1880, and of 
local interest to Denton and, in part, to the county, as the students named 
contributed largely to the subsequent development of the county.] 

Sallie Blount and Laura Hughes 

Her brother George and if you choose 

Callie Forester, and sister Jennie, 

As good and fair 1 think as any. 

The next I notice in this place 

Is Rachel and Miss Hattie Pace. 

Miss Nannie Johnson and sisters three — 

Bettie, Hattie. and IMary E. 

Next the Smiths appear in view. 

William, Mary, and Issa, too. 

Settle, and Nettie. thou;;h not of the same, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 399 



Have both the one paternal name. 

Lula Egan and Charlie, her brother, 

Texana, too, makes up another. 

Jesse Fitzgerald and Henry may 

Be seen at school most any day. 

Ben Daugherty with his name so long, 

And Ida Wilks both here belong. 

Of Bettie Willis and Katie Cheek 

And William Davis we next speak. 

John Tipton, industrious still, 

And the Edwards boys both, George and Will. 

Then the names that next I meet 

Are Jennie, Fred, and Irvie Keyte. 

Again I think if you will count them o'er 

You will find of Riddles fully four ; 

There's Ellen, Clara, and Alphia, small 

And Bob, perhaps not least of all. 

Mary Koner, good on time. 

With Horace Bailey does not rhyme. 

Lucinda Hogg and Hermillia do 

Attend and get their lessons, too. 

Charlie Grafton and brother Will, 

Their seats at school do promptly fill. 

Next in order we will reveal 

Louisa, John, and George McNeil. 

Carrie Sweatman and, George, her brother. 

Leona Wetsel and Marion Brown 

Are on the roll and we put them down. 

To Julian Scruggs and sister Zeria 

I think the school is quite an era. 

Miss Mollie. Love joy, now I note 

And Aisia Meadows next in rote. 

Mary McMurray and Jessie Sams, 

Two zealous girls who are not shams. 

And last of all the roll contains, 

I close the roll with Willie Bains. 



DENTON COUNTY'S SHEPHERD DOGS 

In the early free-grass days of Denton County it was com- 
mon to see herds of sheep from three to five hundred in number, 
as pasturage cost nothing, and sheep multiplied very rapidly. 
Shepherds did not stay with such-sized flocks, only giving at- 



400 HISTORY OF DKXTOX COUNTY 

tention night and morning. We had shepherd dogs which could 
be, and often were, trained to herd sheep; and some of them, 
when properly trained, became very valuable, their value de- 
pending largely on their blood and training. Without training 
they were comparatively valueless, and a cross between the shep- 
herd dog and the cur dog was worthless. A good shepherd dog 
well trained, would bring from seventy-five to one hundred 
dollars. 

Mr. Louis Fry of Denton had a dog that was well trained 
and had -made several trips to New Orleans with droves of "mut- 
ton sheep" and would follow diflerent masters. ]\Ir. Fry lost his 
shepherd dog and was considerably worried about it, and Mr. 
Edleman, who was ranching on Clear Ci'eek about Bolivar, found 
the dog and put him to herding his sheep, and would go out of 
evenings and pilot the dog and sheep in for the night. One even- 
ing it rained and he failed to go out to pilot them in and the dog 
during the night brought the herd (about five hundred head) 
fourteen miles to Denton and rounded them up before the Fry 
house on the public square, and offered them to his old master 
by barking at the door. Mr. Fry ran a meat market and this 
was the largest herd ever offered on the square at Denton. 
Neither the dog nor sheep were stolen, but both found their mas- 
ters. This incident demonstrated the value of a pure-blooded, 
well-trained shepherd dog. 

Two Englishmen arrived in Denton County with a large herd 
of sheep and stopped over night at Uncle John Carter's on Clear 
Creek. They were fresh from England and had bought their 
sheep, and had heard much talk of shepherd dogs and were hunt- 
ing for one. Mr. Carter had one, which he sold them for $75.00. 
The next morning they moved on up the valley of Clear Creek 
with the sheep and dog, and after they had gone some distance 
from Mr. Carter's home they turned the dog loose and "hissed" 
him after the sheep and he killed four or five sheep before they 
could kill the dog. The dog was three-fourths cur and one-fourth 
shepherd and only had an instinct and training for dead sheep. 
The Englishmen learned that there were two kinds of shepherd 
dogs, one that would bite and one that would not and that men 
were sometimes "bitten." 



k 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 401 



CYCLONIC DISTURBANCES OF DENTON AND 
ADJOINING COUNTIES 

The first cyclone of moment occurred at Cedar Hill, in Dallas 
County, on May 4, 1856. Cedar Hill was destroyed. It was a 
small village situated in the southwestern part of Dallas County. 
Eight persons were killed and nearly all the inhabitants were in- 
jured, all the houses destroyed, and wearing apparel, bed clothes, 
and dry goods v/ere strewn from there to Cedar Springs. The 
storm came from the southwest and went to the northeast. 

On May 3, 1867, a cyc'one struck near where Arlington now 
is and traveled in a northeasterly direction. It hit a freight 
wagon laden with dry goods and destroyed it and scattered the 
goods. The wagon was driven by Hunt Kelley, but he was not 
hurt. The cyclone continued its course in a northeasterly direc- 
tion. Breckenridge, a village in the northeast corner of Dallas 
County, was next struck. A good number of people were hurt 
here but no one killed. Over on Duck Creek it hit the home of 
Valney Caldwell and completely destroyed the home. Every 
member of the family at home was killed. It next hit the home 
of Ben Prigmore, killed a child and wounded several others. One 
man was blown about a mile, carried along in the current some 
distance above the ground, and finally he lodged against and 
caught the topmost boughs of Mr. Pickett's Bois d'Arc hedge, and 
the wind blew him around in the hedge at a fearful rate. He 
was unhurt except by Bois d'Arc thorns. The Caldwell family 
were all killed except one, who was visiting from home that night. 

On March 12, 1886, a cyclone started south of Argyle. Dip- 
ping down to the ground at places and rising up at others, it 
traveled northeast, passing just north of Garza, just south of 
Lloyd and covering Navo, and on to the Collin County ridge. The 
first damage done was at Logan Kemp's place where West Chester 
and family of nine children were in a log house, which was taken 
about half down and a good part of it went inside, but fortunate- 
ly none were hurt. C. L. Floyd's house was torn to pieces with 
thirteen persons in it but no one seriously hurt. The two fore 
wheels were torn from Bob Beal's wagon and carried off. One 
wheel was found in A. M. Bush's tank two years later, but the 
other was never found. F. O. McReynolds had two tenant houses 
One was torn to pieces and one thrown on the storm-house door, 
shutting Mr. McFall and family in. One house was occupied by 
W. C. Cumberland's family at the time. This house was all blown 
away except the floor and beds with the sick folks on them. Mr. 
Bush's store house was blown down and some hats blown away. 



402 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 

Mr. Block's house was blown away, all but the floor and he and 
his lamily were left sitting at the supper table. Mr. Zumwalt's 
g-'n was wrecked. Salt Branch school house was blown about a 
hundred yards over into the ravine, but was uninjured. Mr. 
Witts' chimney was blown down. Mr. Hodges' house was wrecked 
and his grandchild killed by a nail piercing its side. Several other 
houses were wrecked faithei- on. 

CKIUBLE SPRINGS AND SHERMAN BLOWN AWAY 

On May 15, 1896, about Tour p. m., a cyclone hit the gi'ound 
betv.een Pilot Knob and Justin, passed about three miles west 
of Denton, blew down some houses, and over on Clear Creek it 
destroyed the little village of Gribble Spi'ings. On J. P. Bowles' 
place Mrs. Will Shannon and one child were killed. One of her 
children had a stick driven into its head and one severely cut on 
the face. These two recovered. Mr. Lewis and his wife were 
eating early supper and all the house blew away except the floor 
and they were left at the table. Gee Evans, living on Mr. Hill's 
place, lost a child. Mrs. J. P. Bowles and Mrs. Will Ready and her 
two small children were in a room keeping watch with the corpse 
of a child. The house was torn to pieces, and when they came 
to rest the floor was bottom side up, and they were clinging to 
the children and lying on the floor unhurt. The corpse was about 
a hundred yards away. Josh Crouce lived on Mr. Sparks' farm 
on Milam Creek. The house was a four-room structure and "Mrs. 
Crouce placed herself and four children in bed and covered up. 
The house was wrecked and blown away except the floor and bed, 
which were left unmoved. This storm rose and passed on north- 
east, but came to giound again and tore a swath about two hun- 
dred yards wide through the city of Sherman, doing great damage 
to the people and property. Many remarkable things occurred 
which tested one's credulity. The large steel bridge over Bois 
d'Arc was twisted up into a mass and moved a considerable dis- 
tance from the piers. A sliver of pine plank was driven through 
the body of a tree about ten inches in diameter. 

SLIDELL BLOWN AWAY 

On March 23, 1909, the village of Slidell was blown away 
by a cyclone just after nightfall. The cyclone came from the 
southwest and traveled northeast. But it rose again and did 
not continue its devastation very far. The village and the near- 
by farm houses were demolished. On the twenty-fourth a relief 
committee was appointed, composed of J. B. Doyle, chairman, 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 403 



H. F. Burton, L. W. Watson, B. J. Hawkins, and R. D. Moore, who 

issued the following address : 

"Whereas, the town of Slidell and surrounding community 
have been visited by a cyclone which has wrought death and 
destruction, and, whereas, there is much need and suffering 
among a great number of our citizens, we humbly appeal to the 
public for aid for the suffering," 

The people liberally responded and that section was soon 
restored to its normal condition. We have not the details to give 
relative to this cyclone. 

A CYCLONE DESCRIBED 

P ' Perhaps it will be appropriate here to describe a cyclone for 
the benefit of many people who never saw one. All cyclones have 
two movements, one circular, like the spinning of a top, the other 
horizonal, generally passing from the southwest to the northeast. 
Cyclones are round and look very much like a balloon, sharp at 
the bottom and wide at the top. They extend from the clouds 
to the ground and look like they are composed in part of clouds. 
They bob up and down like a fish jerking the cork under, and 
sometimes are not touching the ground. When they do hit the 
ground, the sharp point is small and the path it makes is narrow, 
but as it comes down lower the path widens sometimes from four 
to eight hundred yards wide. It is in rim formation and the 
destructive element is in the rim (it may be electricity), and 
when it is down low and making a wide swath there are two 
distinct shocks— one when the front rim passes and one when 
the back rim passes. Men, horses, and all manner of things 
seem to float in the vortex within, as light as feathers, the cen- 
tripetal force apparently destroyed. Strip the cyclone of its 
terrors, and it is one of the grandest displays of natural phe- 
nomena one may behold — grand almost beyond our conception. 



BRIEF NOTES REGARDING EARLY DAYS IN DENTON COUNTY 

As Related by C. A. Williamb and C. C. Daughbrty 

C. A. Williams and C. C. Daugherty, two of the earliest 
settlers of Denton County, were talking of the early days. Mr. 
Daugherty has resided in the county continuously for fifty-six 
years and Mr. Williams for fifty-five years. Finally they decided 
to jot down some data of the early times for the local newspaper- 
men, matters that would be of interest now, and from their 
"jottings" the following excerpts have been made: 



404 HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



It was on the twenty-second day of April, 1857. that the 
county records of Denton County and the records of the Denton 
land district were moved from the office of the clerk at what was 
then called New Alton, to the two-story frame courthouse on the 
north side of the public square of Denton. The office of the 
clerk at New Alton was a one-story structure built of hewn logs 
felled from the nearby timber, and the move into a frame building 
was an upward move indeed. That date was practically the begin- 
ning of the town of Denton, then mostly timber where the 
square and courthouse now are. The officers of the county of 
Denton, which was created in April, 1846, were as follows: 

S. A. Venters, county judge; A. P. Lloyd, county clerk; F. L. 
Moore, district clerk; C. A. Williams, sheriff; Dan Strickland, 
assessor and collector; J. W. Simmons, county treasurer; C. C. 
Lacy, district surveyor. John Shipley, Jehue D. Hawkins, Joseph 
A. Knight, and J. W. Chowning were county commissioners. 

District Court convened on the twenty-second day of May 
following. Nat M. Burford of Dallas County was district judge. 
John C. McCoy, also of Dallas County, was district clerk. 

There was one murder case on the docket, the State of Texas 
vs. Joseph A. McCormick, who stood charged with the killing of 
a man named Galbrith at Pilot Point. 

Denton County was organized off of Fannin County by an 
act of the legislature in 1846. Pinkneyville, situated about one 
and one-quarter miles east of Denton, and now marked by being 
in a farm, was the county seat. Then Alton a few hundred yards 
southwest of where the town of Corinth now stands, was the 
second county seat. Then New Alton on Hickory Creek became 
the third and Denton the fourth and last county seat. 

Thei'e are but few today in the county who were here then 
and Mr. Williams is probably the only one living among the 
officers of the county, when the county seat was first located at 
Denton. There is extant no history of Denton County, if there 
was ever one written, and in the past few years a strong eflfort 
has been made to get some one of the pioneers to furnish the data, 
or better, to write the history from the days of 1846 to now. 
Denton Record-Chronicle, April 19, 1907. 



DENTON COUNTY IN 1854 AND LATER 
By W. B. Brown 

I came to Denton County in 1854. In 1855 I helped to build 
what was probably the first church house in the County. The 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 405 

building was erected about two hundred yards southeast of the 
Morgan Caudle home and about two miles northwest of the 
present to\^Ti of Lewisville. The erection of the church repre- 
sented cooperative work on the part of the settlers, the labor and 
material being furnished by various individuals. 

Before this church was built religious services had been held 
in private homes and under the shade of trees, and at such times 
as journeying preachers happened to come to the community. In 
those days we sometimes did not know, nor care to know, to what 
denomination a preacher belonged. The settlers were so few 
in number that there was no thought of division because of a 
difference of opinion regarding religious matters. 

Winding paths cross-cut the county in many directions in the 
early days. They bore such names as "the old Indian Trail," 
"Buffalo Trail," "Ranger Trail." During these peaceful times 
it may seem strange to many to be told that roving bands of 
Indians traversed Denton County in the wild days, stealing horses 
and killing people. Their coming could not be foretold, of course, 
and the people were not properly protected. 

Both Indians and settlers were guided across the Cpuntyby 
high and conspicuous groves and mounds, such as Pilot Point, 
Pilot Knob, Pilot Grove, Blue Mound, Dye Mound, and Jim Ned 
Mountain. At that tim.e these names were household words to 
all Denton County settlers. The high point and grove of timber 
just north and west of Denton, where the Decatur Road turns 
west, was known to the settlers as Medlin Point. 

Mr. Press Witt, who had moved into the Elm Flats near 
Trinity Mills east of Elm, in the '40's, related to me the following 
experience : In 1847 a band of Indians made a raid on the settle- 
ment where he lived. They stole a bunch of horses and made a 
dash to the northwest. A small band of settlers followed in hot 
pursuit. Reaching the point on which Denton is now situated, 
the settlers hastened to Medlin Point, from which they scanned 
the prairies. The Indians were seen in the valley just north of 
town, and the race began. A running fight was pulled off at 
the grove where Jesse Chinn now lives. After Mr. Witt had 
emptied his pistol in the fight, he encountered an Indian who had 
a poor mount. The Indian dismounted and the two men had a 
hand-to-hand engagement. For some reason, the Indian's bow 
failed to work, and Mr. Witt killed his opponent with a bowie- 
knife. 

The settlers who preceded me related many similar experi- 
ences which will never be recorded by the pen-of the historian. 



40« HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 



The pait'cipants in such experiences were our real heroes, and 
their fiffhtinf; and their privations were the price they paid for our 
County's freedom. In oui- seeming- indifference regarding the 
work of our p.oneers we forget that Denton County was not 
without * the bejjinning of years" and "the ending of days." 



A CLOSING WORD 

In the perr.sal of these reminiscences the reader may have 
observed an occasional tendency to embellish narrative with a 
few gems of fiction, despite the fact that truth is supposed to 
be stiano.er than ficfon. But this tendency to allow free rein to 
one's fancy is paidonable. Do we not live in a world of romance, 
a world of make-believe? Do we not still build castles in Spain? 
We v.'isli to make things more attractive than they are, hence 
the suf:ar coating on the pill and use of the beautifiers for the 
face. Some of us would paint the lily — if we dared ! 

These embellishments that approach the realm of fiction 
give zest to facts that might otherwise be lost to future citizens 
of Denton County. (Some might prefer that the facts be lost 
f ore\ er ! ) 

A r reat family rroup is represented by the people of Denton 
County. These people love and revere their own, even to the 
last adopted son and daughter. 

The author came to Denton County in 1851, and as a mem- 
ber of its big family has beheld the glories of the County's rising 
sun. This sun has borne the author beyond his meridian of life. 
He has been among the briers and brambles of the County's ex- 
istence, has climbed the rough and rugged hills in a figurative 
sense, and he has marked the footprints of our pioneer fathers. 
This has been his only home, his only people, his chief earthly 
pleasure. And in the beauties of a summer sunset, with the 
hope and the unswerving belief of a Great Beyond, in fancy he 
hears "the soldiers' dream of 1866," a soldier song which went 
something like this : 



HISTORY OF DENTON COUNTY 407 



HOME. SWEET HOME 

One cold and stormy night in winter 
When the wind blew cold and wet, 
I heard some notes of sweet music 
That I never can forget. 

I was sleeping in a cottage, 
Where large maps and flowers hung, 
And the faces long departed 
Sweetly hung upon the wall. 
As I watched I heard a rustling 
Like the rustling of a wind, 
When beside my lonely pillow 
Very soon I heard them sing. 



The dearest spot on earth to me 

Is home, sweet home. 
The fairer land I long to see 

Is home, sweet home. 

Many counties have erected monuments to the memory of 
their heroes who gave their lives for the common good. May I 
be prophetic by making the statement that Denton County will 
some day, under the inspiration of some great leader, erect a 
marble shaft over the grave of Captain John B. Denton in honor 
of his memory. The honor, the glory, and the pride which we 
should all feel in the name of Denton, which we have adopted, 
should cause us to constantly strive to add to the lustre of that 
name and to make it more renowned. 



THE END 



INDEX 



Adams. Walter D., 253. 

AKricullurnI and Mechanical College. 241. 

Allen, Mi-F. Abbie (Mayes), portrait and 

sketch of. 48. 
Allen. T. li.. his letter. 287. 
Allen, Rev. William, author of Life and 

Tinirn of Captain John B. Drnton, 18 ; 

portrait and sketch of, 47 : 176 : 191. 
Allianoc .■ii .in>r Co.. 'J(j7. 
Alton. 10. 60. 
Alton ^"ett'ement. 60. 
Amnesly oath, 397. 
Arjryle. 278. 
"ArmstronK" mill, 76. 
Atlee, E. A.. iMirtrait of. 2.12. 
Aubrey. 278. 



Bacon. John, iwrtrait of, 111. 

Uailey. H. W.. 237. 

Bailey, Joseph W.. 363, 364. 

Bailey, William J.. 227. 

Mailey. \\'. T.. 2(17. 

Baker. A. J.. 227. 239. 

Ballew, Aaron, 58. 

nriUew. I e i, 179. 

Ballews School House Settlement, 57, 58. 

Bates. Ed. F.. 28, 177, 179. 200. 271. 

Bates, Ilev. E. T.. 28, portrait and sketch 

of, 52. 53. 
Bates, James P.. early-day recollections, 350. 
Bates. Mrs. Mary L. (nee McReynolds), 

portrait and sketch of. 46. 
Bates. R. H.. 24. 176. 
Bates. Mrs. Susan (Wrijfht), i>ortrait and 

sketch of. 45. 
Bates, Rev. William E., 28. 43, portrait and 

sketch of, 44. 45 ; 171. 273. 
Bates, W. P.. 28. tells of pioneer life. 293. 
Band Mill, description of. 76. 
Barbed-wire fences, 169. 
Bass. .Sam, 125-132. 
Baylor. John R.. 162. 
Beaty. J. W.. portrait of. 193; 196. 271. 
Bee. Bernard E.. 159. 160. 
Bellamy. Re\ . William, 106. 
Beyott. P. J.. 271. 
Bird's Fort. 1.58. 161. 
Bizzell. W. B.. 247. 271. 
Blewett. (leorfre Henry, portrait and sketch 

of. 69 : 233. 
Bk-wetl, Joe L., 271. 
Blount. Judxe J. M., 67 ; portrait and 

sketch of, 68 ; 316. 
Blo.int. J. P.. 233. 
Bobhitl. W. C. 271. 
Bolivar, 278. 



Bolivar Settlement. 84 ; formerly bor« name 
of New Prospect, 86. 

BottortT. J. T.. 213. 233. 

Boyd. John (i.. iK)rtrait and sketch of, 35. 

Urackenridjfe. M. Eleanor. 229 : work of in 
behalf of Colle>re of Industrial Arts, 247 ; 
club named in her honor, 250 ; picture of 
Brackenrid^e Hall, named in her honor, 
251 : member of Board of Regents of Col- 
lege of Industrial Arts, 233. 253. 

Bradley. S. M.. 196. 235. 237. 

Bralley. F. M.. iHjrtrait of. 228 : 247. 

n-eihan. E. W.. 282. 

Bridjres Settlement, earliest in Denton Coun- 
ty, 13. 27 : roll call of. 28. 

Brigade districts. Texas divided into, 109. 

Brown. W. B. ("Uncle Billy"). i>ortrait and 
sketch of. 35. 

Brov.n. W. B.. "Denton County in 1854 and 
r--itcr." 4114. 

Bruce. W. H., imrtrait of. 199: 271. 

Buster. J. E.. 179 ; portrait of, insert follow- 
ing paire 1J<4. 



Camp meetings. oriKin of term of, 96. 

Capps. Mrs. William. 253. 

Carroll. Judste Joseph A.. i)ortrait and sketch 

of. 65 ; 196. 271. 353. 
Cattle. marketin>r of, 167. 
Central National Road of the Republic of 

Texas. 4. 
Chalk. Rev. J. W.. 24. 
Chambers. J. R.. 179; portrait of, insert 

followinpr page 184. 
C'lambers. T. J.. 122. 

Chinn. Elisha. imrtrait and sketch of, 74. 
Chinn"s Chapel Settlement, 74. 
Chisum. .John S., 305. 
Chisum. John. 25. 
Chisum Trail. 167. 
Christal. John and Richard, disappearance 

of. 324-327. 
Christal, J. R.. 213. 267, 326. 
Christal. Rev. Silas G., portrait and sketch 

of. 80. 
Cisco. Hiram. 314. 318. 
Clark, Gcortre. 121. 
Clark. Mr. and Mrs. Joel S., portrait and 

sketch of. 39 ; 41. 
Clark. R. H.. 179. 

Cljirk. William T.. portrait and sketch of, 67. 
Clayton. Thomas Milton, portrait and sketch 

of. 36. 
Cleveland. W. D.. imrtrait of, 232. 
Clothing was home-made in early days, 337. 
Cobb, R. E.. 267. 



408 



INDEX 



409 



Cobberly, Floyd, 150. 

Coit, J. C, 231, 233, 253, 271. 

Coke, Richard, 121, 128. 

College of Industrial Arts, 227-262, 267. 

Colquitt, O. B., portrait of, 232. 

Comeigrys, E. F., 192, 196. 

Confederate soldiers from Denton County, 

picture of proposed monument to, 118. 
Confederate Veterans, group portrait of. 111 ; 

Sul Ross Camp of, 113, 114, 176. 
Congressional Convention of August, 1886, 

353. 
Conscription during War Between the States, 

110. 
Cook, Joseph W., portrait and sketch of, 

81 ; 196, 267. 
Cooper, J. E., portrait of, 232. 
Copenhaver, J. E., 282. 
Cowboy, perils of work of, 168. 
Cowan, Jim, portrait of. 111. 
Craddock, F. M., 267. 
Criminality, period of, 105, 123-132. 
Cruse, Andy, portrait and sketch of, 34. 
Curtis, O. M., 267, 271. 
Cyclonic disturbances, 401. 



Daugherty, Boone, portrait of, 61. 

Daugherty, C. C, 24 ; portrait of, 61 ; por- 
trait of, with other ex-sheriffs of Denton 
County, 71 ; "Brief Notes Regarding Early 
Days in Denton County," 403. 

Daugherty, J. M., portrait of, 61. 

Daugherty, Mat, portrait of, 61. 

Daugherty, T. W., portrait of, 61. 

Daugherty, Captain T. W., muster roll of, 99. 

Daugherty, William, portrait of, 61. 

Davis, E. J., 121. 

Davis, G. P., 179. 

Davis, Sam R., portrait and sketch of, 40. 

Davis, Mrs. Ora E. McKinney, portrait and 
sketch of, 42. 

Deavenport, M. W., Sr., 191, 265, 271. 

Democratic Convention, 145. 

Denton, Captain John B., Denton County 
named for, 17 ; Life and Times of John B. 
Denton, quoted, 18-26 ; remains buried on 
courthouse square of Denton, 177. 

Denton, city of, 263-271. 

Denton City High School Building, picture 
of, 195. 

Denton City Public Schools, early history of, 
192 ; faculty of, 194, 195. 

Denton County Courthouse, picture of, 264. 

Denton County, location and naming of, 13- 
17 ; act creating, 14 ; act permanently 
locating county seat of, 16 ; act better 
defining boundaries of, 17 ; named in honor 
of Captain John B. Denton, 133-152 ; a 
part of Fannin County, 133 ; first political 
convention in, 143-145. 

Denton County National Bank, 267. 

Denton County Schools, early history of, 186- 
191 ; statistics regarding, 196. 

Denton Creek Settlement, 79. 

Denton Milling Co., 267. 

Denton Record-Chronicle, quoted, 24, 300-329, 
345-350. 373-394. 

Denton Settlement, 63, 64, 66-72. 

Denton Territory, represented in early Re- 
public and State Governments, 1 ; under 
six flags, 142. 



Denton Trust Co., 267. 

Districts, Judicial and Senatorial, 141, 142. 

Divine worship, Indians often interrupted, 

96. 
Donald. J. H., 179. 
Durbin, Elisha, ex-sheriff of Denton County, 

portrait of, 71. 



Eads, Mrs. Rachel, "Folloiwing the Sun in 
the Fifties," 366 ; her letter, 372. 

Edleman, D. J., 271. 

Edleman, L. Z., first child born in Pilot 
Point, 273. 

Edleman, (nee Daugherty), Mrs. Mary, por- 
trait of, 61. 

Edwards, Benjamin W., 154. 

Edwards, Homer, 196. 

Edwards, John R., 179. 

Edwards, W. C, Preface, x; 271, 280. 

Egan, W. F., portrait and sketch of, 70 ; 
porti"ait of, with other ex-sheriffs of Den- 
ton County, 71 ; Sam Bass in employ of, 
125 ; endeavors to capture Bass gang, 127 ; 
how he did not organize State Militia, 151. 

Eldredge, Joseph C, 158, 159. 

Elizabethtown, 278. 

Evers, R. H., 267, 271. 

Exchange National Bank, 267. 

Executions, legal, in Denton County, 147. 

Exemption Board of Denton County, 282. 

Extravagance, example of, 123. 



Fannin County, Denton County a part of, 
until 1846, 2. 

Farmers' Alliance, 143. 

"Farmers, Laborers, and Stock Raisers of 
Denton County," 145. 

Ferguson, Judge I. D., portrait and sketch 
of, 87 ; "In the Early Days of Denton 
County," 304 ; "Indian Fighting in Den- 
ton County," 308; "The Silent City and 
the Sleepers There," 313 ; "An Engage- 
ment with the Indians — Disappearance of 
Richard and John Christal," 319. 

Fields, Richard, 154. 

Fire Department of Denton, in early days, 
picture of, 268. 

Fire epidemic in Denton, 345. 

Fire of 1860, 348. 

First National Bank, 267. 

Flood of 1866, 395. 

Foreman, W. L., 271, 315. 

Forrester, Ed, 308. 

Fortenberry, A. H., 165, 328. 

Fonts, A. J., 179. 

Free-grass issue, 90, 92, 169. 

Freeman, J. A., 31, 77. 

French Settlement, 60. 

Fry, Lewis, 385. 

Fry, W. S., 318. 

FuUingim, M. D., 282. 



G. A. R. Association invited to unite with 
Old Settlers' and Veterans' Association of 
Denton County, 176. 

Gary, J. M., 179 ; portrait of, insert following 
page 184. 

Gary, Sam G., 271. 

Geers, C. W., "Horse Stealing," 394. 



410 



INDEX 



GerniHny, war with, reaches Denton (bounty, 

279-285. 
Gober, John W.. 24. 25. 177. 
Cober, Mr. and Mrs. J. W.. portrait and 

sketch of. 85. 
Goeth. A. C. 213. 
(irnham. A. E.. 2:!:5. 267. 
Grubbs, V. W.. work of, in behalf of Col- 

leije of Industrial Arts, 229, 241. 

Hann. John A.. 2:J.'5. 

Harben. Sam P.. 25.3. 

Harmonson. John. 179. 21."). 

Harmonson, W. P. (PeriT). 133; portrait 

and sketch of. 378. 
Harmonson, Zerril Jack.son, i>ortrait and 

sketch of, 378. 
Harris, Representative, 243. 
Hawk, Mrs. Rachel (nee Robertson), portrait 

and sketch of. 38. 
Hawkins. V. J., his account of Indian raid. 

291. 
Hawkins. John Henry. 25 ; portrait and 

sketch of, 51 ; 177. 
Hawkins, Sam. ex-sheriff of Denton County, 

portrait of. 71 ; 150. 
Hawkins .Settlement, 43. 
Hebron. 278. 

Hedsecokp. Oliver. 28. 352. 
Hill. F. F.. 142. 271. 
Hill. Marv Sue. portrait of. 46. 
Herbert. C. L.. 271. 
HodKes. Miss MoUie. 282. 
Hoffman. R. H., 389. 
Hotr^r, Alex, 241. 
Hojrs. raisinK of, 168. 
Holford Prairie Settlement, 29-35. 
Home truards, duties of, 104 ; deterrent effect 

of on hoi'se thieves, 107. 
Hopkins, ex-sheriff R. H., 24 ; portrait of, 

71; 149; "Uncle Bob" elected captain of 

Indian scouts, 165. 
Hopkins, Robert H.. 271. 
Horse raisers, prominent, 307. 
Horse-thief's association, 124. 
Horses, wild. 93. 94 ; stealing of. 394. 
Huk'hes, G. W., 317. 
HuKhes, J. H.. 179. portrait of. 185. 
Hunter. John D.. 154. 



Icarian Settlement. 81. 

Indians. 153-166. 289-292, 298-300. 308-313. 
319-323. 327-329. 

Infantrv. Seventh Texas. Company M. mus- 
ter roll of. 281. 282. 

Int,'e, Doctor James M., portrait and sketch 
of, 64 : 271. 

Immigrant, inducements to, and privations 
of, 8 ; the Elm Valley a (rreat attraction 
to. 10; the "promised land" of the, 10, 11 ; 
resourcefulness of, 12 ; came from older 
states in "trains," 27. 



Jackson, Demiisey. 271. 

Jackson, W. N., 265. 

Jacoe. J. W., 271. 

Jarre'l-Evans Co., 267. 

Jarrell. W. F., 233. 

JohnBcn. John ("Buckskin"), 122. 



Johnson, Mrs. Cone, 233, 239, 247. 
Justice, primitive, 62. 
Justin. 278. 



Kealy. S. A.. 120. 

Keyte. E. B.. 192 ; "The Roll Rhyme." 398. 

Key's School House Settlement, 57. 

Kin^r. A. G. ("Uncle Gus"), letters of. on 

Holford Prairie Settlement, 29-31. 
Kirkpatrick, D. V.. 282. 
Krum, 278. 



Lacy, C. C. 64, 66, 318. 

Lane, A. L,, Sr., "Sanguinary EnKagements 

With the Indians." 396. 
Letters, early-day. from Denton County after 

war. 373. 
Lewisville. city of. 277. 278. 
Little Elm Settlement, 39, 41. 
Lipscomb, P., 282. 
Long & Turner, 267. 
Lovejoy. John L.. 110, 162. 
Lovell, Tom, 267. 
Lovinpr, Jesse P., portrait of. 111 ; his 

letter 329. 
Lowry, J. H.. 253. 
Lusk, Cai)tain Sam V., i>ortrait and sketch 

of. 33 ; muster roll of. 101 ; portrait of, 

with other Confederate veterans. 111. 



M. Company. Seventh Texas Infantry, 279 ; 

muster roll, 281. 
Martin, M. L., 271. 
Matrill & Shepard, 267. 
Marriajre, first, in Denton County, 31. 
Mayo, Harmon B., 154. 
McClurkan, W. B.. 233, 267, 271. 
McCorniick, J. R., 196, 
McCormick, W. L.. 271. 
McCormick, William, muster roll of Captain 

Lusk's Company, as remembered by, 101 ; 

164. 297. 
McKenzie. Hufrh, muster roll of Captain 

Felix McKittrick's Company, as remem- 
bered l)v. 101. 
McKinney. S. A.. 122. 
McKittrick. Captain Felix. 62. muster roll 

of. 101 : 306. 
McNeil. W. H.. poem of. "My Pictures." 119: 

316. 
McNitzkv, A. O., 281. 
Medlin, Hall, kills buffalo. 77. 
Medlin Settlement. 76. 77. 
Merchant. Captain S. W.. muster roll of. 

1(13; 275. 
Methodist Dormitory, picture of. 238. 
Middleton. W. C. 123. 
Military telcKraph line. 86. 
Miller. Representative. 243. 
Mills. John T.. 133. 
Milncr, R. T., portrait of, 232. 
Morvcan, J. F.. 265. 
Morrell. Mr. and Mrs. .1. F.. portrait and 

sketch of. 49. 
Mulkey, Representative, 243. 
Murphy, Henderson. 319. 
Mustangs, Mexican, 93. 



INDEX 



411 



Nacogdoches, Ayuntamiento of, 156. 

Nance, Andrew Jackson, portrait and sketch 

of, 87 ; 191, 265. 
New Icai-ia, settlement of, 81. 
Non-Partisan Committee, 143. 
North Texas Normal College, 196, 197. 
North Texas State Normal College, 196- 

226. 

Old Settlers' and Veterans' Association, 174- 

185. 
Orr, E. B., 25, 177. 
Orr, Peyton, describes fight with Indians, 

297. 
Ousley, Clarence, 233, 237. 
Owsley, Alvin C, 142, 179 ; portrait of, insert 

following page 184 ; 213, 233, 341. 
Owsley, Clark, 281. 

Paine, John H., 79. 

Palmer, Martin, 155. 

Peace Party, 106. 

Peak, Captain June, 128. 

Pease, E. M., 121. 

Pennybacker, Mrs. Percy V., 237, 247. 

"Peppei--box" pistol, 98. 

Ferryman, Leroy, 166. 

Peters Colony, contract with, 5 ; office of, in 
southeast pai't of Denton County, 6 ; Dallas 
County settlers destroy office of, 6 ; Fourth 
Legislature enacts legislation relating to 
lands of, 6, 7 ; comiiosed of men chiefly 
from Kentucky, 13 ; land office and store 
of, at Bridges Settlement, 27, 28 ; contract 
with Icarians, 82. 

Pfeifer, George H., portrait of, 232. 

Pierce, W. H., portrait and sketch of, 67. 

Pierson, Representative, 243. 

Pilot Point, city of, 273-277. 

Pilot Point Settlement, 58. 

Piner, F. E., 213 ; speech of, 342. 

Pinkneyville, 15, 16, first District Court held 
at, 133. 

Pioneer happiness, 30. 

Poe, O. P., 271, 341. 

Political Convention, held in Denton County 
twenty-six years ago, as described in Mc- 
Kinney Examiner, 340. 

Ponder, 278. 

Ponder, W. A., 213, 233. 

Prairie Fires, 92. 

Prairie match, cause of fire of 1860, 348. 

Preachers, pioneer, 96, 97. 

Prices in early days, 337. 

Prohibition, 145-147. 

Radney, W. L., portrait of, 232. 

Railroads, 169-173. 

Railroad legislation, 170-173. 

Ragsdale, R. Lee, 231.. 

Raley, J. F., 267. 

Rangers, distinguished from soldiers, 2 ; sta- 
tions of, 3 ; companies of, 142. 

Rayzor, J. N., 233. 

Ready, Mr. and Mrs. F. M., portrait and 
sketch of, 50 ; 179. 

Reconstruction, 120-123. 

Record-Chronicle, see Denton Record-Chron- 
icle. 

Red River County, Denton County a part of, 
in 1836, 1. 



Reynolds, Major-General, "Extra Special" 

Order of, 120. 
Reynolds, Samuel F., iJortrait and sketch of, 

78. 
Roanoke, 278. 
Roark, Noah, muster roll of his company, 

281, 282. 
Roberts, Dr. J. B., portrait of, 232. 
Robertson, Addison, portrait and sketch of, 

38. 
Robertson, A. W., 179. 
Robertson, A. Wayne, portrait and sketch 

of, 38, 282. 
Robertson, Alex W., quotation from his ar- 
ticle on New Icaria, 81-84. 
Robinson, T. A., 179. 

Rogers, B. L., describes pioneer days, 300. 
Roll calls of early settlements of Denton 

County, 27-89. 
Ross, Sul P., 162. 
Rowell, J. H., portrait of, 232. 
Rue Settlement, 55. 
Russell, H. M. (Mason), 179; portrait of, 

insert following page 184. 



Sand Town Settlement, 55. 

Sanger, 278. 

Saunders, J. A., 197. 

Sayers, Joseph D.. 262. 

Schmitz, J. B., 233, 267. 

Schools, public free, 186-262. 

Schweer, H. F., 233. 

Secession Convention, 107, 142. 

Secession, election on, 108. 

Secession and war, 95-119. 

Seventh Texas Infantry, Company M, 279 ; 
muster roll, 281. 

Sheep raising, 168. 

Shepherd dogs, 399. 

Sheriffs of Denton County, portrait of group 
of, 71. 

Simmons, T. J., 271. 

Smith, Charles L., portrait and sketch of, 54. 

Smith, E. C, 197, 213, 231, 267, 271, 356, 360. 

Smoot, J. M., 67, 294. 

Soldier boy of 1861 described, 98. 

Soldiers, return of, at close of War between 
the States, 112, 113. 

Spanish horse, 308. 

Star, great blazing, in spring of 1861, 97. 

State Militia, haw it was not organized in 
Denton County, 161. 

Stewart's Creek Settlement, 37. 

Stiff, James B., 281. 

Stiff, Joe E., 281. 

Stockmen, prominent, 306. 

Stoddard, Mrs. Helen M., her work in be- 
half of College of Industrial Arts, 227 ; 
229, 247 ; portrait of, 232 ; picture of Stod- 
dard Hall, named in her honor, 238 ; speech 
of, 239 ; extracts from her addresses, 261, 
262. 

Stony, 278. 

Stout, M. S.. 196, 233. 

Stroud, W. M., 267. 

Sullivan, Clem, 179. 

Sullivan, Mr. and Mrs. J. H., portrait and 
sketch of, 73. 

Sullivan Settlement, 72, 73. 

Swisher, J. M., 25, 177. • 



412 



INDEX 



Tabor. Samuel B., iwrtrait and sketch of, 59. 

Taliaferro. W. A.. 271. 

Taylor. C. W.. 157. 

Taxi)ayers. early. 90-92. 

Teel Settlement. 37. 

Terrell. Minter B., 197. 

Thomas. J. A.. 121. 

Thomas. Rosser. portrait of. 232 ; 233. 

Throckmorton, James W.. 107. 121. 171. 

To thr Noon Rest, quoted, 239. 

Transportation. 167-173. 

Twitty. William. 73. 



Union Laborites, 143. 

Union LeaKue. 69. 106. 

United Daushters of the Confederacy, Katie 

Daffan Chapter of, 115, 116; to erect 

monument. 117. 



Venters. S. A., secretes records of Peters 
Colony, 6 ; portrait and sketch of, 28 ; 37 ; 
re|)resents Denton County, 121. 



Waide, J. M.. "Cedar Creek," 327. 

War widows. 104, 105. 

Weaver, W. T. G., speech in memory of, .'542. 



Welch, Col. Otis G., portrait and sketch oi 
64 ; honor roll of, 98, 99 ; a letter of, 34i| 

West. Don E., 281. 

White mule whiskey. 149. 381. 

Williams. C. A.. Preface, x : 62 ; i>ortrait ami 
sketch of. 68; portrait of. with other ex' 
sheriffs of Denton County. 71: 233. 314 
385, "Brief Notes Re^ardinf; Early Days ill 
Denton County." 403. 

Williams. .Jim. "Great Flood of 1866." 395 

Willis. L.. 25. 177. 

Wilson. J. B.. & Co.. 267. 

Wilson. J. E.. 271. I 

Wilson, R. J.. 233. 

Wire Road. 86. 

Withers. P. C, portrait and sketch of. 66 ; 
235. 237. 314. 

Witherspoon. C. F., 231. 267. 

WooldridKe. A. P.. 231: portrait of. 232; 
233. 237. 

Work. Cree T., 239, 247. 

Wricht. F. A.. 282. 

Wright. W. C. 25, 177. 

WriKht. William Crow, portrait and sketch 
of, 86 : leads attack against Indians, 165, 
297. 

Zumwalt. Lee, 271, 



61 



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